
Gas&^Llll. 






PRIMARY 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES: 



MADE EASY AKD INTERESTING FOR BEGINNERS. 




BY 



G. P. QUACKENBOS, A.M., 



PRUTCIPAL OF "tub COI.LEGIATK SCHOOL," N. T, ; ATTTHOB OP " ILLTJSTKATED SCHOOL mSTOBT OV 

THE V. B.," "A NATURAL PHILOSOPHY," "FIRST LESSONS IN COMPOSITION," "ADVANCED 

COURSE OF COMPOSITION AND EHETOEIC," ETC. 



NEW TOEK: 
D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY. 

1865. 



PEEFACE. 

First books, on nny subject, should be simple and attractive. The beginner should 
never be discouraged by Avords that he does not understand, or sentences of great length 
and ooniplicatcd structure. He should find his text-book interesting, and be won to 
study by the pleasant trains of thought it suggests and charms of style and story. He 
will otherwise be apt to conceive a dislike to the subject treated, and may feel the ill 
eflects of a bad beginning throughout his whole subsequent course of study. 

These principles have been kept in view during the preparation of the present volume. 
The author has here endeavored to present the history of our country so clearly that 
it may be studied with profit at a very early age. In the behef that simplicity is quite 
different from puerility, a clear style, a natural arrangement, and short sentences have 
been aimed at, rather than childish expressions. Leading events are presented, but 
without any repulsive array of minute details, dates, or figures. 

We all know the fondness of the young for stories ; truthful anecdotes have there- 
fore been interspersed throughout. To please the eye, as ■well as awaken thought, 
numerous engravings, designed with strict regard to historic truth, have been intro- 
duced. The form of a continuous narrative has been adopted as preferable for reading 
purposes, but questions bringing out the leading facts are presented at the end of each 
lesson, which may be used by the learner in preparing himself and by the teacher at 
recitation. 

It is hoped that this book will be found comprehensive and thorough, as well as easy 
and interesting. The wants of Frimary Schools have been particularly consulted in its 
preparation. Tsed independently, it is believed that it will give a fair and correct idea 
of our country's history ; when a more extended course is desired, it may with advantage 
be followed by the author's " Illustrated School History of the United States ". 
New York, August 1, 1S60 



Ekteked, accontinsT to Act of Confess, in tho year 1S60, 
By G. r. QUACKENBOS, 
In tbo Clerk's Ollico of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District oi 

New York. 



.1 
JXUH 



COE^TEI^TS, 



lESSOV 

I. Four Hundred Years ago, 
II. Christopher Columbus, . 

III. The Discovery of America, . 

IV. Later Voyages of Columbus. — Cabot, 
V. Balboa. — Magellan, — Cortez, . 

VI. French Discoveries. — De Soto, 

VII. The American Indians, 

VIII. The First Settlements, . 
IX. Captain John Smith, , 

X. The Virginia Colony, 
XI. Dutch Settlements. — Henry Hudson, 
XII. The Pilgrim Fathers, 

XIII. The Plymouth Colony, 

XIV. Other New England Colonies, 
XV. Connecticut.— The Pequod "War, 

XVI. Maryland. — Delaware. — New Jersey, 
XVII. King Philip's War, . 
XVIII. Virginia. — Indian Troubles. — Bacon's Rcbelli 
XIX. Carolina. — Pennsylvania, 
XX. Indian Missions. — French Explorers, 
XXI. King William's War, 
XXII. Queen Anne's War. — The South-west. — Georgia founded, 

XXIII. Washington's Expedition, 

XXIV. French and Indian War. — Braddock's Defeat, 
XXV. Close of the French and Indian War, . 

XXVI. Troubles with the Governors, 
XXVII. Causes of the Revolution, 
XXVIII. Commencement of the Revolution, 



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CONTENTS. 



LESSON 

XXIX. Capture of Ticonderoga.— Ethan Allen, 
XXX. Battle of Bunker Hill, . 
XXXI. Invasion of Canada,— Siege of Boston, 
XXXII. Attack on Charleston. — Declaration of Independence, 

XXXIII. Battle of Long Island, 

XXXIV. Washington's Retreat. — Trenton. — ^Princeton, 
XXXV. Burgoyne's Campaign, 

XXXVI. Brandywine. — Germantown. — ^Valley Forge, 
XXXVII. Monmouth. — Wyoming. — Movements in the South, 
XXXVIII. Paul Jones.— Francis Marion, 
XXXIX. Hanging Rock. — Camden. — Arnold's Treason, 

XL. King's Mountain. — Cowpens. — Guilford Court House, 
XLI. Eutaw. — Yorktown. — Close of the Revolution, 
XLII. Formation of a Constitution, 
XLIIL Washington's Two Terms, 
XLIV. John Adams. — Thomas Jeflferson, . 
XLV. Jeiferson's Second Term. — James Madison, 
XLVL Battle^ of Tippecanoe.— War with England, . 
XLVII. Reverses on Land : Triumphs on the Ocean, 
XL VIII. The War in the North-west, 
XLIX. Pike's Expedition. — Fort Stephenson. — Lake Erie, 
L. Harrison's Invasion of Canada. — Creek War, 
LL Close of the War of 1812, . . . 

LII. James Monroe. — John Quincy Adams, 
LIII. Andrew Jackson, .... 
LIV. Martin Van Buren. — Harrison and Tyler, 
LV. James K. Polk. — Mexican War, 
LVI. Taylor and Fillmore, 
LVII. Franklin Pierce. — James Buchanan, , • 



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PRIMARY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




The "Western Continent. 



The Eastern Continent 



LESSOR I. 



FOUR nUNDEED TEAE3 AGO. 

1. The Earth is roimcl, like a ball. It contains two large divi- 
sions of land, called Continents. One lies in the east, and is called 
the Eastern Continent. Tlie other lies in the west, and is called 
the Western Continent. These two continents are separated on one 
side by the broad Atlantic Ocean, and on the other by the Pacific, 
which is still broader. The map given above shows these conti- 
nents and oceans. 

2. The United States, in which we live, is part of North Amer- 
ica, and lies in the "Western Continent. Europe, Asia, and Africa, 
form the Eastern Continent. Those who want to go from one con- 



FOUR HUNDRED TEARS AGO. 



tinent to the other, have to sail many miles, across either the At- 
lantic or the Pacific. 

3. ISTow, our gallant sailors think nothing of making such a voy- 
age. But there was a time when even the bravest were afraid to 
venture far out upon the Ocean. Their vessels were not so large 
or so well shaped as ours ; and they feared, if they went too far 
away from land, they would never find the way back. 

4. Four himdred years ago, men did not know so much about 
the Earth as they do now. They thought that it was flat, instead 
of round. Tliey knew nothing of the Western Continent. They 
were afraid of the broad ocean. They supposed that those who 
kept sailing west would either reach the end of the Earth and fall 
ofi", or meet with dreadful gales and whirlpools. Some thought that 
the unknown waters to the west were filled with frightful monsters, 
and that it was wicked to try to sail there. So they left the Atlan- 
tic mostly unexplored. The farthest land that was known towards 
the west was the islands called the A-zores', about 800 miles west 
of Portugal. 

5. Four hundred years ago, the land we inhabit looked very 
difi'erent from what it now does. There were no great cities in it 
then ; no large farms, with fields of waving grain ; no comfortable 
houses, with smoke curling up from their chimney-tops ; no horses 
or cattle in the meadows ; no fences, no bridges, no roads ; no 
steamboats or sailing-vessels on the rivers ; no white men, to give 
life to the whole. 

6. In place of these, there were giant trees, thick woods, and 
rolling prairies. Deer, bears, and wolves abounded. There were 
fair streams, but no signs of life on them except the busy beaver. 
Here and there was a rude hut, covered with bark or skins ; and 
dark, half-naked figures stole through the tangled brush-wood. 



FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 



Y. And what lias so changed the appearance of the country ? — 
Its discovery by Europeans. They found it a fruitful and pleasant 
land. They came over to it in great numbers. They cut down 
the woods, laid out faiTQS, tilled the soil, and built villages and 
cities. They made the wilderness blossom like the rose. 

8. But the "Western Continent might have remained unknown 
to Europeans till this day, had it not been for the genius of one 
man. That great man, the discoverer of America, was Christopher 
Columbus. 

Questions. — 1. What is the shape of the Earth ? "What does it contain? What are 
the two continents called? How are they separated? Point to them on the Map. — 
2. Where does the United States lie ? What countries form the Eastern Continent ? 
How can a person go from one continent to the other? — 3. In old times, what did 
people think of a voyage across the ocean ? — 4. What did people think about the shape 
of the Earth, four hundred years ago ? What did they think would happen to those 
who kept sailing west ? What was the farthest land known towards the west ? — o. What 
are found in this country now, that were not here four hundred years ago? — 6. Describe 
this country, as it then looked. — 7. What has so changed the appearance of our country ? 
What have European settlers done ? — 8. To whom is the world indebted for the discovery 
of America ? 



LESSOX II. 

CHEISTOPHEE COLUMBUS. 



1. Columbus was bom at Gen'-o-a, in Italy, a country of Eu- 
rope. His parents were poor, but had him well taught. At an 
early age he went to sea, and visited various countries. On one 
occasion, the ship on which he served took fire, and he had to 
throw hmiself into the sea and swim for his life. 

2. After making many voyages, Columbus became convinced 
that the Earth was round, and that by sailing west he would finally 



8 CnRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. [U7i 

reacli land. If you mark an orange, and place your finger on the 
opposite side of it, you will reacli the mark whichever way you 
carry your finger round. So Columbus thought that by sailing 
west he would arrive at Asia, just as certainly as he would by 
<roin<r cast. lie knew nothing of the Western Continent : but he 
supposed that Asia extended much farther east than it does, and 
he determined to try to reach it by launching out on the unex- 
plored ocean. 

3. Tlie Azores, as we have said, were the most westerly land 
known at that day. Kow, after a violent w^est wind, trees torn up 
by the roots were sometimes washed on these islands. The bodies 
of two men, very difi'ercnt in appearance from the people of Europe 
and Africa, had also been thrown there. These facts confirmed 
Columbus in his belief, and made him still more anxious to set out 
on a voyage of discovery. 

4. But where was he to get the means ? He was poor, and had 
no ships of liis own. lie could only lay his plans before the difier- 
ent poAvers of Europe, and beg their aid. First he tried his coun- 
trymen, the Genoese, but without success. Then he went to Por- 
tugal. The King of this country listened to his arguments ; but, 
wishing to have the honor of the discovery all to himself, he basely 
deceived Columbus, and sent out a vessel on the proposed course 
under another commander. The expedition, however, failed, as it 
deserved to do. 

5. Columbus next turned to Spain, which was then ruled by 
the famous Ferdinand and his wife Isabella. He had by this time 
become so poor that on his way to the court he had to beg for bread 
for himself and his little son. On his arrival, lie found the King 
and Queen engaged in a great war with the Moors. They had no 
time to listen to a poor sailor whom every one laughed at. Still 



1486] 



COLUMBUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL. 



Columbus would not give up. Full of liis great idea, he waited for 
a more favorable time, supporting himself by making maps and 
charts. 

6. At last he obtained the ear of Ferdinand, and jjleaded his 
cause so earnestly that he almost convinced the King. But the 
long war had exhausted the royal treasury, and money was too 
scarce to be risked on an uncertainty. So Ferdinand resolved to 
take the advice of the wise men of his kingdom. Columbus ap- 
peared before them at Salamanca, to unfold his cherished plan. 
Here you see him arguing before the counciL 



I' f^^,. W 




T. But the wise men of Spaiia cduM not believe that a poor 



10 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. [1491 

sailor knew more than they did. How, they asked, could the Earth 
be round ? If it were, then on the opposite side the rain would fall 
upward ; trees would grow with their branches down ; and every 
thing would be topsy-turvy. Objects on its surface would certainly 
fall off the opposite side ; and, if a ship by sailing west got around 
there, it would never be able to climb up the side of the Earth and 
get back again. How could a ship sail up hill ? 

8. Such was the reasoning of the wise men. By their advice, 
the King refused to furnish Columbus the ships he wanted. Who 
can describe his disappointment, after waiting so many years ? 
There was yet one chance. Perhaps Queen Isabella would listen 
to him with more favor. He obtained an interview with her. 
Alas ! she too was persuaded to refuse him. 

9. Almost in despair, Columbus was on the point of quitting 
Spain forever, when a message from Isabella recalled him to court, 
with the glad tidings that the Queen had changed her mind. She 
had determined to lit out three vessels for the enterprise, even if she 
had to pledge her jewels to raise the necessary money. 

Questions. — 1. "Where was Columbus born? What is said of his parents? What 
did he do at an early age ? What accident befell him ? — 2, After making many voyages, 
of what did Columbus become convinced ? What did he suppose with respect to Asia ? 
— 3. What confirmed Columbus in his belief that the Earth was round? What was he 
anxious to do ? — i. Why did not Columbus set out at once on his voyage ? To whom 
did he first apply for ships ? Where did he then go ? What did the King of Portugal 
do? — 5. Where did Columbus next go? By whom was Spain then ruled? What was 
the condition of Columbus at this time ? In what did he find the King and Queen en- 
gaged ? What was the consequence ? — 6. At last, with whom did he obtain an interview ? 
What was the result ? — 7. What was the opinion of the wise men of Spain ? Mention 
some of their arguments. — 8. What conclusion did the King come to ? What chance yet 
remained? What answer did Queen Isabella first make? — 9. What happened just as 
Columbus was about leaving Spain ? How many vessels did the Queen promise him ? 



1492] 



DEPARTURE OF COLUMBUS. 



11 



LESSOI^ III. 



THE DISCOVEEY OF AMEKICA. 

1. Here is a picture of a ship in the time of Columbus. It looks 
quite different from a ship of the 

present day. The hull is much 
higher out of the water than that 
of modern ships, and not so sharp 
in front. The rigging, too, is 
different. You see a little round 
box near the top of the central 
mast. Here a sailor was sta- 
tioned to keep a look-out ; and 
in battle men were placed there 
to shoot those who appeared on 
the enemy's deck. 

2. "With three such ships, two 
of which had no decks, Colum- 
bus set out on his voyage of dis- 
covery. So dangerous was it 
considered, that he could hardly 
get sailors enough to man his 
vessels. At last ninety men 
were obtained, and with these he 
sailed from Palos \^jpaN-los\^ a 
Spanish port, on the 3d of August, 1492. 
seven years old. 

3. After stopping at the Canary Islands, to repair one of their 
vessels, Columbus and his men stood out boldly to the west on the 




Columbus was now fifty- 



12 DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. [1493 

great ocean. Day after day tliey kept on their course, with nothing 
in sight but the sky and the sea. The sailors looked out anxiously 
for land ; hut, as none appeared, they became terribly frightened, 
and wanted to turn back. This Columbus would not do. He set 
before them the glory they would gain if they succeeded, and 
the anger of Queen Isabella if they should return contrary to his 
wishes. But, as time wore on, they became more and more alarm- 
ed. They feared they would never find the way home. They even 
talked of throwing Columbus overboard, and taking the ship back 
to Spain themselves. 

4. At last Columbus had to promise that if land was not dis- 
covered Avithin three days he would return. How anxiously he 
watched during that time, and how high his heart beat with hope 
when signs of land actually appeared ! The water grew shallower. 
Fh)cks of little birds came round the vessels. A branch bearing 
fresh berries was found floating on the sea. A close watch was 
kept. Two hours after midnight, on the 12th of October, a joyful 
cry of Land I Land ! was heard from one of the vessels. It was 
echoed on the others. The sailors were now frantic with delight. 
They were ready to worship Columbus, whom a little while before 
they had talked of throwing into the sea. 

5. When day dawned, the land was plainly seen. A pleasant 
land it was. There were gay flowers, and tall trees with leaves and 
fruit such as they had never seen before. On the shore were un- 
clad copper-colored men, gazing in wonder at the Spanish ships. 
They took the ships for great birds, the white sails for their wings, 
and the Spaniards for superior beings brought down from Heaven 
on their backs. 

6. Columbus and his men hastened to land. Kneeling, they 
kissed the earth, and returned thanks for their successful voyage. 



1492] THE EETURX VOYAGE. 13 

Tlien Columbus took possession, of the country in tLe name of the 
King and Queen of Spain. 

Y. The land thus discovered was one of the Ba-ha'-ma Islands, 
in the Atlantic Ocean, hetwcen jN'ortli and South America. lie 
named it San Sal'-va-dor. Tliinking that he was now in the East 
Indies, he called the natives Indians. All the islands of this region 
are still known as the West Indies. 

8. Columbus soon left San Salvador, to make further discover- 
ies, in the course of which he touched at Cu'-ba and Haiti [y/-Uf\. 
At the latter island he lost one of his ships, and left some of Ids 
men as a colony. After collecting specimens of the productions, 
and inducing several of the natives to embark with him, he set out 
to retrace his course to Spain. 

9. On the return voyage, a terrific storm arose. Fearing ship- 
wreck, Columbus wrote an account of Ids discoveries, and sealed it 
up in a cask, which he threw into the sea, hoping that if he and 
his men were lost it would be picked up and made known to the 
world. But it was not God's will that he should perish thus. His 
ships, though shattered, brought him safe to poi*t. lie landed 
amid the firing of cannon, and hastened to bear the news of his 
success to Ferdinand and Isabella. Thousands crowded around 
him on his journey to court. The streets and windows were lined 
with people, and the Indians he had brought with him were looked 
at with as much wonder as if they had come from the moon. With 
no less wonder did they gaze at the strange scenes about them. 

10. Eemember the date of the discovery of America. — October 
12, 1402. 

QuEKTio.v:-:. — 1. How did a sriip of Columbus's time dificr from one of the present 
day? For what was the round box on the mast used? — 2. With how many chips did 
Columbus set out ? What was thouglit of the voyage ? IIow many men were obtained ? 



U LATER VOYAGES OF COLUMBUS. [1493 

From what port, and when, did Columbus sail ? How old was he ? — 3. Where did Colum- 
bus stop for repairs ? When his men had been some days out, how did they begin to 
feel ? What did they even talk of doing ? — i. What promise did Columbus have to 
make ? What signs of land soon appeared ? When was land discovered ? How did 
the sailors now feel ? — 5. Describe the land, as it appeared at daylight. What were seen 
on the shore ? What did the natives take the ships to be ? — 6. Give an account of the 
landing of Columbus. — Y. What was the land thus discovered ? What name did Colum- 
bus give it ? What did he call the natives, and why ? What are the islands of this re- 
gion still called ? — 8. What islands were next discovered by Columbus? What occurred 
at Haiti ? What did Columbus take with him on his return ? — 9. What took place on 
the return voyage ? What precautions did Columbus take ? What was the result of 
the storm? How were Columbus and his companions received? — 10. What was the date 
of the discovery of America ? 



LESSO^f lY. 

LATER VOYAGES OF COLUMBUS.— CABOT. 

1. Tlie news of Columbus's discovery threw all Europe into ex- 
citement. Wonderful stories were told about the new land in the 
west. Many believed that gold grew on the trees, and that dia- 
monds were as common there as stones in other countries. Those 
who had before laughed at Columbus, now thought that their for- 
tunes would be made if they could only get to the land he had dis- 
covered. " To the west ! To the west ! " was the cry of every bold 
navigator that could fit out a vessel. 

2. Columbus himself made three more voyages to the western 
world. On his third voyage, in 1498, he first reached the main 
land, near the mouth of the O-ri-no'-co, in South America. 

3. Meanwhile murmurs arose among those he had brought out, 
because they did not find gold so plenty as they had expected. 
The enemies of Columbus, too, spread false reports abouj; him in 
Spain. Moved by these stories, and forgetting all he had done, the 



1499] COLUMBUS AND THE ECLIPSE. 16 

King and Queen unjustly deprived him of his command ; and his 
successor went so far as to send him back to Spain in chains. This 
ingratitude cut Columbus to the heart. He carried his chains 
around with him wherever he went, and ordered that when he died 
they should be buried with him. Though he proved his innocence, 
he was never restored to his authority. 

4. On his fourth voyage, Columbus, now an old man, was 
wrecked on the coast of Jamaica. He and his men were thus left 
at the mercy of the Indians. The Indians had at first been very 
friendly ; but during the absence of Columbus the Spaniards had 
beaten them, forced them to work, and robbed them of their gold. 
Such treatment had awakened a thirst for vengeance. When Co- 
lumbus was wrecked, therefore, they not only left him and his men 
to starve, but even threatened to attack them. At this crisis, Co- 
lumbus saved his party by his knowledge of astronomy. 

5. He knew that on a certain night an eclipse of the moon 
would take place. Collecting the natives around him shortly be- 
fore the time, he told them that the Great Spirit was angry because 
they would not aid the Spaniards, and that He would cover his face 
from them that very night. The moon gradually became dark; 
and the natives, believing that God was thus showing his displeas- 
ure, fell on their knees, promised Columbus abundant supplies, and 
prayed that he would ask the Great Spirit to show His face once 
more. When the eclipse was over, they kept their word. With 
their help, Columbus succeeded in getting back to Haiti. 

6. On his return to Spain, Columbus found that his friend. 
Queen Isabella, was dead. There was nobody now to do this great 
man honor. He died in 1506, poor and neglected. Even the con- 
tinent that he discovered was called after another. 

Y. Among those who visited the new world shortly after its dis- 



16 CABOT. [1499 

covery, was an Italian named Amerigo Yespncci [a-ma'-re-go ves- 
poot'-she]. After his return to Europe, lie wrote an account of his 
voyage, containing a great many interesting but untrue stories. 
Among other things, he falsely claimed to have reached the main 
land before Columbus. His book was read by many, and believed ; 
and the new world, instead of being named Columbia in honor 
of its real discoverer, was called after this Italian, America. 

8. The first navigator that reached North America was John 
Ca-bot', who was in the service of King Henry YIL, of England. 
In 1497, about a year before Columbus reached the main land, Ca- 
bot explored the coast of Newfoundland. lie found a cold and 
barren shore, very different from the pleasant land that Columbus 
had described. 

9. The first turkeys that were ever seen in Europe were taken 
over by Cabot on his return. His son Sebastian soon after made 
several voyages to the new world, and touched at difierent points 
of the coast as far south as North Carolina, taking possession of the 
country in behalf of the King of England. 

Questions. — 1. What was the effect of the news of Columbus's discovery ? — 2. How 
many more voyages did Columbus make ? In which did ho reach the main land ? 
When ? At what point ? — 3. What difficulties did ColumbiTs now meet with ? What did 
the King and Queen of Spain do to him ? What effect did their treatment have on him ? 
— i. What happened to Columbus on his fourth voyage ? How did the Indians now feel 
towards the Spaniards ? Why was this ? — 5. IIow did Columbus save himself and his 
men ? — G. What did Columbus find on his return to Spain ? What became of him ? — 7. 
After whom was America so called ? IIow did Amerigo obtain this honor ? — 8. Who 
first reached North America ? When was this ? What part of the coast did John 
Cabot reach ? — 9. What birds did he introduce into Europe ? Give an account of the 
voyages of his eon Sebastian. 



,13] DISCOVERY OF THE PACIFIC. lY 



LESSOX V. 

BALBOA.— MAGELLAN.-CORTEZ. 

1. Tlie Pacific Ocean was discovered in 1513 by Bal-bo'-a, gov- 
ernor of a Spaniyli settlement on the Isthmus of Daricn. Hearing 
of a vast body of water to the south, he raised about two hundred 
men, and with native guides set out to reach it. Balboa and his 
men wore heavy armor, and could hardly make their way through 
the patliless forests and over rocks and mountains. A fierce tribe 
of Indians opposed their progress ; but, defeating these with the aid 
of their fire-arms and bloodhounds, they pushed on. Many, how- 
ever, had to stop by the way from sickness and fatigue ; and with 
less than half of his party Balboa found himself ascending the peak 
from the top of whicli the guides said that the great water could be 
seen. 

2. When near the top, Balboa ordered his men to halt, and 
climbed alone to the summit. There he saw the mighty Pacific 
rolling away as far as eye could reach. His fi.rst act was to thank 
God for the discovery. lie afterwards descended to the shore, and, 
with his sword in one hand and his country's flag in the other, 
wading out knee-deep into the water, took possession of it in the 
name of the King of Spain, and declared that he would defend it 
with his arms. 

3. Pacific means peaceful. Tlie ocean discovered by Balboa 
received this name on account of its freedom from storms compared 
with the Atlantic. It was so called by Ma-geV-lan, a Portuguese, 
who was the first to sail a ship on its waters. He entered it through 
a strait at the south of South America, since called from him the 
Strait of Magellan. 



18 



MAGELLAN. 



[1521 



4. Magellan lost his life on tliis voyage. One of liis ships, how- 
ever, continued to sail west, rounded the Cape of Good Hoj^e, and 






''7Mr^r0^!Ci 



'" ^^ ] .4^1^ ^€^^, 




Balboa taking possession of the Pacific Ocean. 

reached home after an absence of three years. Tliis was the first 
vessel that ever sailed round the globe. — What did this voyage 
prove respecting the shape of the earth ? 

5. Next followed tlie conquest of Mexico, in 1519. Mexico was 
a vast empire. Its people were far more civilized than the natives 
in other parts of IS'orth America. They had laws and courts of 



1519] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 19 



justice, public schools, splendid temples, and large cities. They 
tilled the ground, worked their rich mines of gold and silver, and 
were acquainted with many of the arts and sciences. Their Empe- 
ror lived in a magnificent palace in the city of Mexico. He was 
waited on by six hundred nobles. His dishes and goblets were of 
gold. He called himself lord of the whole world, and made the 
neighboring tribes pay him tribute. The Mexicans did not worship 
the true God, but bowed down to idols of wood and stone. To these 
false gods they cruelly sacrificed the captives that they took in war. 

6. The Spaniards, who were now quite numerous in Cuba and 
the neighboring islands, heard of this rich empire, and resolved to 
conquer it. They raised about six hundred men, and placed at 
their head a brave but cruel man named Cortez. Sixteen of the 
party had liorscs, and a few were armed with muskets. The rest 
carried swords, spears, and bows. AYith this small force and ten 
cannon, Cortez set out to conquer a great empire containing several 
millions of people. 

7. As soon as the Mexican Emperor heard that the Spaniards 
had landed, he sent messengers to them with rich presents, but with 
orders that they should leave the country. Cortez received the 
presents, but paid no attention to the orders. Having burned his 
ships, that his men might not think of returning, he pushed into 
the interior. 

8. Before reaching the capital, several battles were fought with 
immense armies of natives ; but the S|)aniards were always success- 
ful. The poor natives were dismayed by the muskets and cannon, 
breathing forth fire and mowing down their ranks. They were 
also frightened by Cortez' horsemen, whom they took for horrible 
monsters, half men and half beasts. Horses had never before been 
seen on the American Continent. 



'20 CONQUEST OF MEXICO. [1521 

9. After a great deal of liard fighting, in the course of which he 
was onco driven out of the citv with o-reat h)ss, Cortoz at hist £:ot 
]>ossession of the capital, the Emperor, and the principal nobles. 
lie treated liis captives very cruelly. Gold was his great object ; 
and he was wicked enough to stretch the ]>oor INEoxicans on beds of 
liot coals to make them tell where they had hidden their treasures, 
lie put a great numy to death, and subdued the whole nation, 
l^rom this time Mexico rcnuuuod a {Spanish province for about 
tlircc hundred years. 

QiKSTiONS. — 1. r>v wlioin was tho ruoilic Oooan ilisoovorod? With ho\Y many men did 
nalboa start? "What dilUcidtios wimo onoountorod? How many of his men were dis- 
ahUnl ? — '2. Whon near tho top, wliat did Inilboa do ? "What did he soo ? What was his 
first not? What did ho aftorwards do? — ;>. What does tho word jivi('//f(' moan ? Why 
was tho ocean so oalloil ? Who cjavo it this name ? How did Majicollan enter tho Faoif- 
io? — t. What booamo of l\Ia!::ollan ? Wliat was done by ono of his ships? — 5. What 
ooni^uest next folUnvod ? Whon ? Civo an aooonnt of tho Moxieans and their Emperor. 
Wliat did thoy worship? — (>. AVliat did tho Spaiuards resolve to do? What jM-oparations 
did thoy make for oonqnorinp; Moxioo? — 7. What did tho Mexican Em]HMH>r do, whon ho 
hoard tho Spaniards had h\ndod? What was done by Cortoz? — 8. What took plaoo be- 
fore tho Spaniards reaohod tho eapital? What was the rosnlt of those battles? What 
iVightoned tho natives? — 0. After nmch hard fighting, what did Cortoz sueeoed in doing? 
How did ho treat bis captives? How long did Mexico remain a Spanish province ? 



LESSON YI. 

FUKNCH niSCOYKKlKS.— nr. SOTO. 



1. Otlicr countries now boij.-an to send out ships \o the new 
world, as well as (Sj^ain and England. In 1524, a navigator in the 
service of the King of France, exj^lorod the coast from Carolina to 
Newfoundland, lie called the whole region ]S\^w Trance. Ten 
years afterwards, a I'renelunan named Cartler \ci(r-ti'-d'] made sev- 



1535] FRENCH DISCOVKUIKS.— DE SOTO. 21 



cral voyages to America. lie entci-cd the River St. Lawrence, and 
Hailed up to a larf!:;e Jn<ll:iii vill;i_i:;(', wliicli nlood vvliere Monti'cal 
lias hiiice been built. 'I'lic IikHiius wva'c at ilrst very IVlcndly, but 
lie nuido tlieni tnuMiiics by cjiri-yiiii;- oil' llirir cliier. 

2. Shortly uftcr this, ;i nunibcr oC Ki-cnchiucii h.'uKmI to th(; ucav 
world, and Bottled on the St, Lavvreiu^e Klver. They found it bo 
cold and nninviting, however, that after passing one winter there 
they were glad to return. Several otluir settlements were attempted 
by the Fren(th in the south, })ut without success. 

3. Mejinwhile the Spaniards, eager for gold, which they heard 
was plenty in the interior of the country, were constantly sending 
out exploring parties. One of the most famous <►(' 1 hi;se was led by 
a governor of Cuba, named De Soto, lie landed on the coast of 
Floridii, with six hundred men in (iomplete ai'nior. De Soto took 
with him ;i blacksmith's forge, BO that when Ids weapons wore out 
he could make new ones. That his men might not want for food, 
he drove a great nnnd)er of hogs before him through the woods. 
Thus ])repared, and well funiishcid with horses and supplies, De 
Soto and his party s(^t out on their journciy of discovery. 

4. For many months they wandiTCid to Jind fro over what is 
now Alabama and (ieoi'gia. '^I'licy met many Indians, who woidd 
have been friendly if the S})aniards had not, like Oortez, ti'eated 
them cru(jlly. They were disa])j)oint(;d be(%ause they could not find 
any gold, and they wreaked (heir anger on tlu; innocent mitives. 
They robbed them of whatever they wanted, and lor the slightest 
cause burned their villages, cut off their liands, and gave them to 
their bloodhounds to tear in pieces. t 

5. Such treatment provoked the Indians, and at last a battle 
was fought. The Spaniards, with the aid of their lii-e-arms and 
liorses, were victorious, and killed a great many of the natives. 



VV, SOTO'S KXrKPITlOX. 



1511 



SouKMuoiillis :il'l(M\\ aids, lln> Sn:uu:inls luivilij; t^oizod OH (lu^ vlllairc' 
(>!' M li'ilx^ in tlu' north ol' wluit is now TMisait^sippi, \\\c n:itiv(\^ vv- 
vtM»i;(Hl lluMnsclvos l>v si'Mini:; liiv (o tluMi* own wii^'wjuns in tho 
nii;lit. Po (Solo lost in Iho llatnos numy horses and hogs, most of 
his biiii'ixago, juui oIi'mmi of his n\cu. 

(). (\)ntinnini:; liis un\rch, \^v Soto in a fow days fi^inid himself 
on the hank of a nii^lity riviM* nt>w calkMl tlu^ Mississippi. In tlio 
ongravinn-, yon stu^ iiini and his men on a hii;h hhitV, gazim;- on the 
«i"reat stream thiw haNo diseoverc^L 'V\\c v'wcv is alive with eanoes 
fjdl of natives, who are hasttMiin^;" to bring presents to the strangers, 
not kuowinij: how <'nii'l tliev are. 




7. Po Soto was a proud man, and he "wonhl not go back unsuo- 
eesst'nl. 11 oaring o\' gidtl in thi^ northwest, he erossinl the _^lissis- 
sippi and marched in that tliriH'tion. Many weary miles he trav- 



I5'l'»| DKATII OK DM SOTO. 



cllcd. IIiH liMliiin ;^\i\<\i-'A !(•(! Iiiin iiilo iJiick vv<)()<1h juhI (lan/:^(M'()UH 
HVVJiinj)H. 'In ^vA, rid ol* liim, llic Irilxts lie, visil<;<l vvoiil<l t(;II liiiii 
W()M(l(',rrnl HtoricH Jilxml, KoirHi olJicr coiiiijry a little TartlK!!' on, wlicro 
l^old wuH plenty. 'riiuH Ik; waH kc^pt, nian'.liin«j^ about,, only U) lind 
liinjKclf* (lc('(;ivc(l and diKaj)|)()lMt('d. 

8. \)r, Soto'n men wcim; now dyin;^ jjronnd liini IVoui oxpoflliro 
5Uid i)i\.\<^\\(',. lie Haw lliat liiH liop(!H of vv(!;dt,li and ^loj*y wore; vain, 
and Ix'cairH', diHlicMrtciicd. A lever nei/ed liini, ;i.iid lie died wilJi 
little eonilort in liin lanl lioiirK. J I in men wrappe<l liin body in a 
eloak, and, takin;^ it out in a boat, Hiink it at dea(J ol' night in tlio 
•^i'(!at ]V1iHHiH.sip))i vvliieli lie Ii;i(| diseovi^red. 

1). Ai'\i'A' l)(i Soto's de.'illi, liiH men <M>ntinued tlieir wand(Tin<^H. 
"^riiey firnt tried to I'eaeli JMcrxieo by land, and m;i,de tluiir vvji,y an 
I'ar as tlie ])i*;i,irieH ofTctxaH. Tlien, ready to siidv, tliey t.nrned baek 
to tJ)(; MisHissippi, and r(3Kolv(;d to Hail down to its moutli, and 
tlieneri along tlio coast to Homcj SpJinisli settlerrKMit. J^]vcry Bf-raj) 
orij'<>n wjiH nH(;d in making nails to bold tlieir IVidl v(!SH(51h togcjtJKjr. 
Al'ter nnde,rgoing tlic scvonist ]iardsbi])rt,' about ball' ol' the \r.\r\y 
Buc^eecdod in rcaeJiing tbcjir cu>untrjmen. 'J'In'y Ijad s])eji,t owcv I'our 
years in tbcir weary wanderings. 

QtJEMTiONH. — I. In ir»2'l, who explored tlio rouHt of Airioiica V What, iiiiijio did In; givo 
tlic rogion lif) vinitfuiy (Jlvc an account of (/urtior'H diHcrovcricM. How <lid ho tn-at tho 
IiidianH? — 2. Whcro did moiiio J''r<!nclinH*n attJjtnpt io Bf.ttlo? What nuido i,\\<-.u) njturn? 
Whern won; other HcttlernentM attompled hy tho Kronoli ? — J'.. M<'»nwhilc, what wcro tho 
Hl)aniarrlH <]<>it\jf/f Who I«m1 a farrionH oxpcfjiiion v Wh«Tf! did \)('. Hoto land? How 
many men had hi-V What did ho tako with hiinV — -1. WIkto did ]>o Hoto wander for 
many montliH? ilow did he tr(!at tlu; IndianH? — r>. Wliat waM tJio eonK<(inenee of tho 
BpaniardK* cruelty ? What wart the niHidt of the battle? How did a MiHKiHHippi triho 
revenge tlM'iny<dveH? — (',. Whnt great diMcovery wuh ninde hy Oc Solo? Dr-Horibe th(5 
Hccno in tin; engraving. — 7. Where did f)e Hoto next g(j, and why? How <lid the Indian 
tribcH try to get rid of hini? — H. In what condition did I)e Soto now liii<l \i\h men? 



24 



THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 



What befell De Soto himself? What was done with his corpse? — 9. What did De Soto's 
men do after his death ? How many reached their countrymen ? How long had they 
been gone? 




LESSOR YII. 

THE AMEEICAN INDIANS. 

1. ^Ve have said a great deal about the Indians ; it is time that 
we describe them. Here is a picture of one. 
He is tall and straight. In his right hand is 
his pipe of peace. Around his neck is a collar 
ornamented witli the claws of bears that he has 
killed. At his back he carries his tomahawk, 
his bow, and a quiver full of arrows. He wears 
moccasins on his feet, and deer-skin leggings. 
His head is bare ; he has no hair except a single 
scalp-lock, adorned with feathers. 

2. There were many diiferent tribes of In- 
dians in diiferent parts of America ; but they 
looked alike and led the same kind of life. 
They were all copper-colored, and hence have 
been called Ked Men. Their hair was black, 
and very straight and coarse. In the north, 
they clothed themselves with skins ; but in the south, where the 
climate was warmer, they wore little or no covering. 

3. The Indian spent most of his time in the chase. He obtained 
his food by hunting and fishing, and raised nothing except a little 
maize or Indian corn. Tliis the women were obliged to plant and 
cultivate. The warrior thought it beneath him to labor, and made 
his wife, or squaw, as he called her, do all the work. She put up 



THEIR MODE OF LIFE. 



25 



their hut, prepared their food, and when thej moved from place to 
place even carried the baggage. 

4. When the Indian was out hunting, or on the war-trail, he 
slept in the open air, with a fire bm-ning beside him to frighten 
wild beasts away. At home he 

occupied a wigwam^ or hut, such 
as is shown in the ens-ravin^:. 
It was made bj stretching bark 
or skins over poles stuck in the 
ground. Here jou see the chief 
taking his ease, while his wife 
is cooking the dinner. The 
little chief is playing with his 
father's bow. The baby, or 
pappoose, strajDj^ed up to keep 
him still, is leaning against the 
side of the wigwam. An Indian 
woman often travelled miles 
with her pappoose fastened in 
this way on her back. The 
wigwams of different tribes 
were usually built together in 

5. The Indians generally, though cau- 
tious and suspicious, were friendly and 
hospitable. They would set before a 

stranger the best they had, and were grieved if he would not eat. 
If any one did them a favor, they would remember it for years, 
and return it when it was in their power. An Indian has been 
known to save the life of a white man who had given him food 
or drink so lonsf before as to have forgotten all about it. 




villa ires 



Indian Wigwam. 



26 THE AlklERICAN INDIANS. 

They remembered injuries also, and were unsparing in tlieir re- 
ven^'o. 

0. The Indians were constantly engaged in wars with each other. 
Arrayed in their war-paint, they collected in small parties under 
distinguished chiefs. They carried neitlier baggage nor provisions. 
Each man dei)cnded on the game that he couhl shoot by the way. 

Y. Their object was to surprise their enemies, to kill as many 
as possible, and escape unhurt. They never fonght on an open 
field. Tlieir movements were made as secretly as possible. The 
chief led the way, and each of the qarty trod noiselessly in his foot- 
steps. To conceal their trail from the enemy, the last of the party 
would sometimes cover it with leaA'cs. But it was hard to deceive 
an experienced foe in this way. The Indian could see and hear at 
a great distance, and observed little things that would escape the 
notice of a white man. 

8. An enemy killed in battle was scalped at once. Without 
this, there was no glory in the victory. A distinguished chief could 
point to a dozen dried scalps hanging at his girdle or in his wig- 
wam. All prisoners were either killed on the spot, or taken home 
in triumph. They were there sometimes adopted by the tribe in 
place of warriors that had fallen, but were more generally tortured. 

0. A common mode of dealing with prisoners was to make them 
" run the gauntlet". Two long lines were formed, of men, women, 
and children, armed with clubs. The prisoner was placed at one 
end, and obliged to run to the other, unless before reaching it he 
sunk under the blows showered upon him as he passed. 

10. They Avould sometimes fasten their captives to trees, and 
fling tomahawks at tlieir heads, to see how near they could come, 
without striking them. At other times, they would fasten their 
victim to a stake, and pile up burning branches and fagots around 



THEIR MODES OF BURIAL. 



21 



liiin. The J would shoot blazing arrows into liis flesh, and try to 
torment liim in every way they eoiild ; while he, in spite of his suf- 
ferings, would neither flineh nor groan, hut meet his fate bravely, 
singing his war-song, and boasting how many of their relations he 
had slain. 

11. When an Indian warrior died, his knife and tomahawk. 









bow and arrows, and sometimes 
his favorite dog, were buried 
witli liim. Tliey thought that 
in the otlier world lie would 
need them, as he had done 
here. They buried the dead 
in diiferent ways. Some erect- 
ed a high platform, on which 
tliey placed tlie body in a kind 
of coffin. Otliers buried it in 
a sitting posture, or set it on 
the ground, and built over it 
a little house of bark. A 
mother would sometimes sus- 
pend the body of her dead 
child from the branch of a 
tree, and sing to it as it waved in the breeze. Tlie graves of their 
fathers they defended with the greatest bravery. 

12. The Indians believed tliat all men would live again after 
death : the bad, in a place of torment ; but the good, in the ha})])y 
hunting-grounds, where deer, buffaloes, and all kinds of game 
abounded. They did not worship idols, like tlie Mexicans. Tliey 
believed in a Great Spirit, and prayed to liim for every thing they 
wanted. 




28 THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS. [1565 

Questions. — 1. Describe the Indian represented in the engraving. — 2. What is said 
of the different tribes? Why have the Indians been called Red Men? What kind of 
hair luid they? How were they clothed in the north? How, in the south? — 3. In what 
did the Indian spend most of his time? How did he obtain his food? What did he 
raise ? What did the Indian squaw have to do ? — i. How did the Indian sleep, when out 
hunting? At home, what did he occupy? How was the wigwam made? Describe the 
scene represented in the engraving. — 5. How did the Indians treat strangers ? What 
were they sure to remember? — 6. In what were the Indians constantly engaged? When 
on a war-trail, on what did they depend for food? — 1. What was their object in war? 
How did they move? How did they conceal their trail? — 8. What was done to an 
enemy killed in battle? How were prisoners treated? — 9. What common mode of deal- 
ing with prisoners is mentioned ? What is meant by " running the gauntlet " ? — 10. How 
would they sometimes torture a captive ? How would the captive bear these tortures? — 
11. What were buried with an Indian warrior? Why was this done? Describe the 
different modes of burying. What would a mother sometimes do with the corpse of her 
child? — 12. What did the Indians believe respecting the state after death? To whom 
did they pray ? 



LESSOX YIII. 

THE FIKST SETTLEMENTS. 

Thoiigli different parts of tlie country vrcve explored, as we 
have seen, yet seventy years after the discovery of Columbus there 
was no settlement of white men within what is now the United 
States. The Spanish were the first to plant a permanent colony. 
In 1565, they founded St. Augustine [aiv-gics-teen''], in Florida. 
This place, still known by llie same name, is the oldest settlement 
in the United States. 

2. Forty years later, a French colony settled in ISTova Scotia. 
Soon afterwards, a Frenchman named Champlain planted a colony 
of his countrymen in Canada, on the spot where Quebec now 
stands. You remember there is a beautiful lake in the State of 
Xew York, called Champlain. It received its name from this 



1584] SIR WALTER RALEIGH'S COLONIES. 29 

Frenchman, who discovered it while on an expedition against the 
Lidians. Tlie French at this time held the northern part of the 
continent, just as the Spaniards did the southern. 

3. Between the possessions of the French and the Spanish 
was a large tract claimed by England. Sir Walter Raleigh, a fa- 
vorite of Queen Elizabeth, undertook to colonize it. He sent out a 
party in two ships, which reached the coast of I^orth Carolina. 
They found a rich and pleasant land, occupied by a friendly tribe. 
An Indian Queen entertained them on Iloanoke Island. Persuad- 
ing two natives to accompany them, they returned to England, and 
gave so glowing an account of the country they had 'visited, that 
the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth, was delighted, and named it in honor 
of herself, Yikginia. 

4. Raleigh, thus encouraged, sent out a number of emigrants. 
They settled on the pleasant fields of Roanoke Island ; but their 
governors were imprudent. One of them burned an Indian village, 
because a silver cup was stolen from his men. Another fell on a 
party of friendly Indians, thinking them to be enemies, and killed 
several before he found out his mistake. Such acts made the kind 
natives angry and revengeful. Some of the settlers became dis- 
heartened, and returned to England. The rest w^ere killed. 

5. Still Raleigh was not discouraged. He sent out more settlers 
to Roanoke, who laid out " the city of Raleigh ". Their governor 
went back to England for supplies, and was absent two years. On 
his return to the island, there w^as not a white man to be seen. 
"Whether they had been killed or carried off by the Indians, was 
never found out. 

6. Sir Walter Raleigh's means were now spent, and he had to 
give up his attempts to colonize Yirginia. Though he was after- 
wards beheaded on a charge of treason, he is regarded as one of 



30 THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS. [1590 

the greatest men of his day. The state of North Carolina has call- 
ed its capital Raleigh in his honor. 

1. luileigh was the first to introdnce potatoes into Enropc. lie 
planted some on his Irish estates. Others obtained seed from him, 
and now potatoes are the chief food of the poor in Ireland. He 
brought over from America another thing, which the people of Eu- 
rope could have done without, — and that is tobacco. He learned 
to smoke it from the Indians. One day his servant, who had never 
seen tobacco used, entering his master's room, found him surround- 
ed witli smoke, and thinking he was on fire dashed a mug of ale 
over him. 

8. The first permanent English settlement was made in IGOT, 
by a party under Captain Newport. They were sent out by a com- 
pany to whom Virginia had been granted. Carried by a storm 
past Roanoke Island, where they meant to land, they entered a 
noble river, which they called after their King, the Jami':s. Some 
miles above its mouth, they chose a favorable spot, and laid out the 
citv of Jamestown. This re2:ion belonged to Powhatan, a famous 
Indian chief, the head of thirty tribes. Some of the Indians did 
not like the white men's settling there. But Powhatan said, " Let 
them alone. They hurt you not. They only take a little waste 
land." 

0. Newport soon returned to England. Hardly was he gone 
when the settlers were attacked with sickness. At one time only 
ten were able to stand. In a few weeks but half the party were 
left alive, and they wxre seized with despair. They would no doubt 
all have perished, had they not at this crisis placed Captain John 
Smith at their liead. 

10. Smith was a brave and wise man. He soon had things in a 
better state. He made the idle work, and prevented the timid from 



1607] CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



31 



sailing away, as they had intended to do. lie explored the sur- 
rounding country, and kept in check the natives, who were becom- 
ing suspicious and unfriendly. 

Questions. — 1. For how many years was there no permanent settlement in what is 
now the United States? AVho planted the first permanent colony ? When and whore ? — 
2. What settlement was made forty years afterwards? Where was a colony planted by 
Champlain? What received its name from Champlain? What part of the continent did 
the French hold? The Spanish? — 3. Who claimed the tract between the French and 
the Spanish possessions? Who undertook to colonize it? Give an account of the first 
expedition sent out by Raleigh. What name was given to the region, and why? — 4. 
Where did the second party sent out by Raleigh settle? What acts of imprudence were 
committed by their governors? — What was the consequence? — 6. What did Raleigh 
next do ? What city was laid out ? What became of this colony ? — 6. What became of 
Raleigh ? ITow is he regarded ? What city has been named in his honor ? — 7. What use- 
ful article did Raleigh introduce into Europe? What else? What anecdote is related of 
his servant? — 8. When and by whom was the first permanent English settlement made? 
Where did this party mean to land? Where did they land? What city did they lay 
out? To whom did this region belong? IIow did some of the Indians feel towards the 
Enghsh? What did Powhatan say ?— 9. What happened soon after Newport's return to 
England? What saved the colony?— 10. What kind of a man was Captain Smith? 
What measures did he take ? 



LESSOR IX. 

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



1. Captain Smith's early life was full of adventures. Eunning 
away from home in his youth, he helped the Dutch fight for their 
freedom. But he soon got tired of this, and one dark night he de- 
serted, and made his way to France. Then he went to Egypt. 
"Wherever there was anything wonderful to see, he wandered. 

2. On one of his voyages, he acted rudely towards some of his 
fellow-passengers, and they threw him overboard. He came near 
drowning ; but saved himself by swimming to a rocky island, 



82 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 



[160S 



wliero lie stayed until a passing vessel took liim off. Next we find 
liini in Hungary, fighting tlie Turks hand to hand, like the knights 

of old. At last, being wounded 
in a skirmish, he was taken pris- 
oner and sold as a slave. 

3. Smith was now carried 
ofi" hundreds of miles into a 
» JN. dreary country. He was load- 

ed with chains, and treated 
~~"^z^ harshly. So he resolved to 
■ escape. Seizin <2: his chance, 



Seizing 
he rose against his oppressor, 
and mounting a horse, fled 
through pathless forests to Hus- 
sia. Hence, after some further 
adventures, he made his way 
back to England, in time to 
join Newport's party. 
4. "While out on one of his exploring expeditions in Yirginia, 
Smith was suddenly attacked by Indians. He had ordered his men 
to stay by the boat while he w^ent out to reconnoitre ; but they 
wandered off, and were killed by the savages. After slaying three 
of his enemies, Snutli, while trying to escape, sunk in a swamp and 
had to yield. Even then the Indians were afraid to touch him till 
he had thrown away his arms. He would now have lost his life, if 
he had not understood the character of the Indians. Taking his 
compass out of his pocket, he sliowed them how the needle always 
])oints north, and told them about the shape of the Earth and the 
heavenly bodies. 




Cnptain John Smith. 



5. To increase the wonder of the savages. Smith told them that 



1608] 



SMITH'S CAPTIVITY. 



Sfi 



the next day they would find some articles that he named, in a 
certain place in the forest. lie then wrote to his countrymen at 
Jamestown to put the articles there. They did so ; and when the 
Indians, who did not understand his writing, saw every thing turn 
out as he had said, they began to look on him as more than man. 
They carried him around to their different villages in triumph, and 
at last brought him to their chief, Powhatan. 

6. Here a solemn council was held, and it was determined 




Pocaliwutas baviug UaiKuiu BiuUh. 



that Smith should be put to death. His head was laid on a large 

3 



3^ CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. [1608 

stone to receive tlie fatal blow. A fierce savage stood heside him, 
war-club in hand. Just as he was about to strike, Po-ca-hon'-tas, 
a gentle Indian girl of twelve years, ran forward, threw her arms 
about the prisoner, and with tears besought the savages to spare 
his life. She was the daughter of Powhatan, and the favorite 
of the whole tribe. Smith had amused her, during his captivity, 
by making her toys, and telling her about the wonders of nature. 
She had become fond of the stranger, and now tried to sa\'e 
him. 

Y. Moved by the tears of Pocahontas, the Indians spared Cap- 
tain Smith. They even treated him kindly, and let him go back to 
Jamestown with promises of friendship. Pocahontas continued the 
firm friend of the English. She often visited them, bringing bas- 
kets of corn to relieve their wants. Once, when the Indians had 
formed a plot to surprise and murder all the wdiites, she came 
through the woods by night at the risk of her owm life, and warned 
them to be on their guard. 

8. On his return to Jamestown, Smith found the colonists re- 
duced to forty men, and these were on the point of leaving in de- 
spair. He made them remain, and soon after E^ewport arrived 
with fresh settlers and supplies. Some of the new comers were 
goldsmiths ; and, seeing some glittering sand near the town, they 
fancied it must be gold dust. IS'ewport w^as foolish enough to load 
his vessel with this worthless sand, and carry it to England. 

Questions. — 1. Relate some of Captain Smith's early adventures. — 2. "What took 
place on one of his voyages ? What do we next find him doing ? — 3. How was Smith 
treated during his captivity? Give an account of his escape. — 4. What befell Smith, 
w^hile out on one of his exploring expeditions? How did he save himself from imme- 
diate death? — 5. How did Captain Smith increase the wonder of the savages? "VMiat 
did they do with him ? — G. What took place when they reached Powhatan's village ? 



1608] THE VIRGINIA COLONY. 



How was Smith saved? Why did Pocahontas want to save Smith? — 1. After sparing 
his life, how did the Indians treat Captain Smith ? What services did Pocahontas ren- 
der the English? — 8. In what condition did Smith find affairs at Jamestown? Who soon 
after arrived ? What mistake did some of the new comers full into ? 



LESSON X. 

THE VIRGINIA COLONY, 



1. Smith could not remain idle. In 1608, lie set out on a voy- 
age of discovery in an open boat. He explored Chesapeake Bay, 
and several large rivers that flow into it. He traded with the In- 
dians, and made a map of the whole region he visited. Soon after 
Ills return, Newport again arrived with more settlers. But they 
were not used to hard work. So they did the colony very little 
good. 

2. Soon after this. Lord Delaware was appointed governor of 
Virginia, and nine vessels were sent out with supplies and men. 
Most of the ships ai-rived safe at Jamestown ; but the one that con- 
tained the leaders of the party was wrecked, and it was months be- 
fore they reached the colony. Meanwhile Smith had hard work to 
manage affairs. Those who had arrived last were idle and quarrel- 
some, and said he had no right to order them about. 

3. There was danger, too, of starving. Powhatan, alarmed by 
the increasing numbers of the English, said he had no corn to 
spare, and would neither give nor sell them any. But Smith 
knew better than this. So, taking some large blue beads with him, 
he went to see Powhatan. Showing them as if by accident, he 
told the chief that in his country none but kings were allowed to 
wear such ornaments. When Powhatan heard this, he gladly gave 
several hundred bushels of corn for a few of the beads. Another 



8C. THE VIRCINIA COLONY. [1C09 

tinic, lie gave nearly a liiiiidred bushels of corn for a little coj^pcr 
kettle. Do you think it was right for Smith to impose on the sim- 
ple Indian in this way, even to save the lives of his countrymen ? 

4. In spite of all his difficulties, Captain Smith managed the 
colony well, till he was injured by an explosion of gunpowder. 
Then he had to return to England. No sooner was he gone than 
every thing went wrong. The colonists would not work any more, 
but called on the Indians to keep them supplied with corn. The 
Indians refused, and plotted together to destroy the whites. Seve- 
ral small parties were cut oif. Some of the colonists seized a vessel 
and sailed away. Tlie rest almost died of famine. Long was this 
period remembered as the starving time. 

5, The arrival of Lord Delaware himself, with men and provi- 
sions, alone saved the colony. Under Delaware and his successors, 
Virginia llourished. Cattle and hogs were introduced from Europe. 
Tobacco was cultivated and exported to England. As coin was 
scarce, tobacco passed for money. 

0. Thus far A'cry few women had come over to America. In 
1020, to nuvke the colonists attached to their new country, the Lon- 
don Company sent over ninety young women. These were soon 
married to the settlers, who gave a hundi*ed pounds of tobacco 
apiece for the expense of bringing them over. The next year more 
were sent out. There was soon many a pleasant home on the fer- 
tile fields of Virginia. 

T. Perhaps you would like to know what became of Pocahontas. 
This lovely Indian girl, when about eighteen years old, was betray- 
ed into the hands of a party of Englishmen. They refused to give 
her up unless Powhatan would ransom her. Instead of doing this, 
the old chief resolved on war. At this crisis, a young planter 
named Rolfe, who had fallen in love with the beautiful Indian, of- 



^ "~ " n 

1613] rOCAHONTAS IN ENGLAND. 37 

fcred her his hand in marriage. She accepted it, gave up her for- 
mer religion, and became a Christian. Powhatan approved of the 
marriage, and ever from that time remained faitliful to the English. 

8. Eolfe afterwards took his wife to England. She was received 
with nnich kindness. Kooms were given her in the palace, and 
the noblest in the land Hocked to see lier. Among others, came 
her old friend. Captain Smith, wliose life she luid saved. All ad- 
mired her winning ways. But the climate of England was too cold 
for her. She was about returnhig to Virginia, when she died, 
leaving an only son. Several Yirginia families trace their descent 
to this Indian princess. 

9. Powhatan sent one of his warriors to England with Pocahon- 
tas, to see the country and lind out how many people were there. 
When they reached England, this Indian got a long stick, thinking 
he would nund)er the inhabitants by making a notch on it for every 
one he saw. lie soon had to stop. On his return, Powhatan 
asked him many questions, and among the rest how many people 
he had seen in England. " Count the stars in the sky," he re[)lied, 
" the leaves on the trees, or the sands on the shore, for such is the 
number of the English." 

QiTKSTiONf?. — 1. What did Captain Smith do in 1608? What took place shortly after 
his return ? — 2. Who was soon afterwards appointed governor ? How many vessels were 
sent out? What happened to one of these? Who managed alfairs till the leaders of 
the party arrived ? What diHieulties did he labor under? — I}, What other danger was 
there? How did Smith manage to get some corn from Powhatan? — 4. What obliged 
Captain Smith to return to I^ngland ? What was the conse(iuence of his return ? What 
was this period called ? — 5. What saved the colony? What was the state of alfairs under 
Delaware? What passed for money? — 0. In 1020, what was done by the London com- 
pany, to make the colonists attached to their new country ? What was the price of a 
wife? — 1. What became of Pocahontas? — 8. Where did Rolfe take his wife? How was 
she received? What effect had the climate of England on her?— 9. What anecdote is 
related of one of Powhatan's warriors? 



8S ■ DUTCH SETTLEMEXTa [1609 

LESSOX XL 

DrrCII SETTLEMENTS.— HENRY Hin^SON. 

1. Tlic next settlement was made in what is now the state of 
!N"ew York, by the Puteh. Tliis nation traded hirgely with the East 
Indies. They thought that the voyage thither wouhi he mueh 
shortened, if a passage oouhi be found from the Atlantic Ocean to the 
Paciiic. north of America. Xo such passage has ever been found, be- 
cause tlie land extends far north to Avhere the ocean is frozen by the 
intense cold. But the Dutch did not know this ; so they sent out a 
navigator named Henry Hudson, to discover " a north-west passage". 

H. The chief river in Xew York, you remember, is the Hudson. 
It is so cjilled from this same navigator, who discovered it. Stri- 
king the coast of Maine, Hudson sailed south as tar as Virginia with- 
out tinding the passage he was in search of. Then turning back 
jind closely examining the coast, he discovered an inlet between 
Kew Jei-sey and Long Island. He entered it, and soon found him- 
self in what is now the noble harbor of Xew York. 

o. The island on which the city of New York stands, is called 
Manhattan. This is an Indian word, meaning ^^<^j[>7(7(V <)/Vr?/;?X- 
enncss. I will tell you why it was so called. When Hudson's ship 
was coming up the bay, some Indians who were fishing saw it in 
the distance, and could not nuike out Avhat it was. They called to- 
gether their companions from tar and near, and watched the strange 
object as it approached. Some thought it was a floating wigwam ; 
others, that it was a big tish. At last they concluded it was a huge 
canoe, containing the Manitou, or Good Spirit, who was about to 
visit them. 

4. A great feast was prepju'ed, and the chiefs engaged in a grand 



1609] HUDSON ON MANHATTAN ISLAND. 89 



dance. At lust tlic sliip stopped, a l)oat was lowered, and Henry 
Hudson, dressed in red, entered it with a nnniber of Ins men. Now 
tliey were sure the Manitou was come, and formed a circle to receive 
him. 

5. When Hudson reached the land, he saluted the natives, and 
then produced a bottle of liquor. After drinking a glass himself, 
he poured out another, and handed it to the nearest chief. Afj-aid 
to drink it, the Indian only smelled the liquor, and passed it to the 
next, who did t]\o same. Thus the glass passed around the whole 
circle, and was about to be handed back untasted, when one of the 
chiefs, fearing that the Manitou would l)e angry, took it and said 
he would drink it, no matter what the consequences might be. 

0. No sooner had he dranied the glass than he began to stag- 
ger, and at last he fell to the ground, llis friends thought he was 
dead ; but he soon got up again, and declared he had never before 
felt so happy. They were all now eager to try the wonderful " fire- 
water ■ ', and it ended in all the natives' getting drunk. 

7. The next day, Hudson distributed some beads, stockings, 
and axe-heads, among his new friends. They were delighted with 
these presents, but did not know how to use them. The next time 
the Dutch visited the spot, they saw that the Indians had turned 
the stockings into tobacco-pouches, and strung the heavy axe-heads 
around their necks as ornaments. 

8. Hudson sailed up the river till it became so shallow that he 
could go no farther. One of his boats ascended beyond where Al- 
bany now stands. After holding friendly intercourse with several 
native tribes, he sailed down again to the mouth, and thence back 
to Europe, to give an account of his discoveries. The next year he 
made another voyage. Sailing farther north, he discovered Hud- 
son Bay, but lost his life in its icy waters. 



40 DUTCn SETTLEMENTS. [1610 

9. Tlie Dutch followed up Hudson's discovery by sending out 
trading vessels to the region ho had visited. They obtained large 
quantities of beaver-skins and other furs from the Indians, in ex- 
change for beads, knives, and liatchets. This was found so profita- 
ble that forts were built at different points to protect the traders. 
One of these was erected on Manhattan Island, in 1614. A few 
huts were put up around it, and the name of New Amsterdam was 
given to the settlement. Such was the origin of the great city of 
New York. The whole region was called by the Dutch New Neth- 
erlands. 

10. The Dutch were a quiet, honest people. They loved to 
smoke their pipes, and talked no more than they could help. They 
paid the Indians for their land, though they made good bargains, 
and got it very cheap. The whole island of Manhattan, now w^orth 
millions upon millions, cost them only twenty-four dollars. "Wher- 
ever money was to be made by traffic with the natives, they estab- 
lished posts ; and their traders soon spread out on Long Island, 
Staten Island, and New Jersey. But it Avas not till 1G21 that fam- 
ilies came over to settle in New Netherlands. 



Questions. — 1. Where and by whom was the next settlement made? "Why did the 
Dutch want to find " a north-west passage " ? Whom did they send out ? — 2. What was 
called after the navigator Hudson ? Give an account of Hudson's voyage. — 3. What is 
the name of the island on which the city of New York stands ? What does this word 
mean ? What did the Indians think when they saw Hudson's ship approaching ? — 4, 5, 6. 
Tell the story about Hudson's meeting with the Indians. Why, after this, did they call 
the place Manhattan? — 7. What did Hudson give the Indians? What use did they make 
of these gifts ? — 8. How high did Hudson's ship ascend the river ? How far did one of 
his boats go? What did Hudson then do? What discovery did he afterwards make? 
What was the fate of Hudson ? — 9. How did the Dutch follow up Hudson's discovery ? 
In what did they trade ? How did they protect the traders ? What was the origin of 
the great city of New York ? What was it first called ? What was the whole region 



1G20] TnE PILGRIM FATHERS. 41 

called ? — 10. What kind of a people were the Dutch ? How much did they give for 
Manhattan Island? Where did they establish posts? Where did their traders spread 
out ? When did families come over to New Netherlands ? 



LESSOR XII. 

THE PILGKIM FATHERS. 



1. Captain John Smith, in one of liis exploring voyages, visited 
the coast of what is now Maine and Massachusetts, To this north- 
ern region he gave the name of JSTew England. It was first per- 
manently settled in 1620, by a party from England, who are often 
spoken of as the Pilgrim Fathers. Tliey belonged to a religious 
sect called Puritans, who were ill treated in England because they 
wished to worship God in their own way. 

2. A number of Puritan families determined to emigrate to 
America, that they might enjoy their religion unmolested. One 
hundred persons embarked on a little vessel called the Mayflower. 
They meant to settle near the Hudson River ; but a long and 
stormy voyage brought them to the dreary shore of Cape Cod, on 
the Massachusetts coast. 

3. Parties were sent out to explore the coast. They found noth- 
ing but some Indian graves and a small heap of corn. The ground 
was covered with snow, and many took violent colds, from which 
they afterwards died. A boat was then despatched with some of 
the leading men, to sail along the coast and find a good place for 
landing. 

4. Bitterly cold the little party found it. The spray froze on 
their coats, and made them as stiff and bright as if they had been 
of steel. Once, when they had landed, some Indians came near, 
and raising the terrible war-whoop discharged a yolley of arrows at 



42 



THE PILGRIM FATHERS. 



[1620 



tliem ; but the sound of the Pilgrims' muskets soon put the savages 
to flight. Resuming their voyage, thej were overtaken by a vio- 
lent storm and almost wrecked. They found shelter, however, on 
an island. There was a good harbor in the main land near by ; 
and, as the country seemed to be more fertile than any they had 
before seen, they determined to land there, and sent for their com- 
panions on the Mayflower. 

5. The landing of the Pilgrims took place on the 21st of Decem- 
ber, 1620. Tlie day is still kept by the people of Xew England. 




They gave the name of Plymouth to the place they founded. It is 



1620] SICKNESS AND DEATH. 43 

on the eastern coast of Massacliusetts. Here you have a picture of 
the Puritans, with their wives and children, landing on the bleak 
snow-covered shore. 

6. The Pilgrims at once commenced building huts. But they 
had been exposed so much that many were taken ill. Six of their 
number died in December, and at one time almost every person in 
the settlement was stretched on a sick bed. Yet they kept stout 
hearts and put their trust in God. 

7. The houses of the Puritans were built of rpugh logs. They 
had nothing but long grass with which to cover their roofs. One 
night in January, two of the party. Brown and Goodman, went 
out into the woods to gather some of this grass. On their return, 
they lost their way. I^iglit was near at hand, and, to add to their 
trouble, a heavy snow-storm set in. 

8. After trying in vain to find their way back, they sat down 
under the shelter of a large rock, and prepared to spend the night 
there. But before long the wind commenced howling among the 
branches, and in their fright they fancied it was the roaring of a 
lion. They knew not that there were no lions in America, and so 
they climbed a tree for safety. But there they were exposed to the 
cold wind, which ]3ierced their clothes and made them shiver. 
Finding that they would freeze unless they kept in motion, they 
came down from the tree and walked round and round it as fast as 
they could till daylight. 

9. Glad were the two wanderers when morning appeared. Tliey 
lost no time in pin-suing their way, and, after walking fast or run- 
ning all day, they succeeded in reaching Plymouth in the evening. 
Their companions, having searched for them without success, had 
given them up for lost, and supposed that they had been killed 
or carried off by Indians. Long did Brown and Goodman re- 



U THE PLYMOUTH COLONY. [1681 

meiiiber tlie roaring of the lion and that freezing night in the 
woods. 

QuKSTioNS. — 1. Who gave New England its name? When and by whom was New 
Enghind first poniiancntly settled? To what religious sect did the Pilgrim Fathers be- 
long ? — 2. Why did the Puritans come to America? How many came at first? On what 
vessel ? "Whore did they mean to settle ? What part of the coast did they reach ? — 3. 
What was found by the exploring parties sent out ? What was the consequence of their 
exposure? What did the Puritans finally do? — 4. Relate the adventures of this explor- 
ing party. What did they at last find ? — 5. When did the Pilgrims land ? What did 
they call the place they founded ? Where is Plymouth situated ? What do you see in 
the engraving ? — G. What befell the Pilgrims after their lauding ? — 7. Of what were the 
houses of the Puritans built ? With what did they cover them ? What happened one 
night in January? — 8, 9. Toll the story about Brown and Goodman. 



LESSON XIII. 

THE rLYMOUTn COLONY, 



1. Tlie winter was gloomy enough for the Puritans. Tliey suf- 
fered much from hardship and siehness. By April half their num- 
ber had died. But the weather now grew mild. Birds began to 
appear. The fields, became green. The sick soon got better. 

2. The country around Plymouth, though deserted when the 
Pilgrims settled there, showed signs of having been inhabited be- 
fore. Smoke was seen afar off several times through the winter, 
and parties were sent out to find the Indians from whose fires it 
came, and open a friendly intercourse with them. Tliey did not 
succeed ; but early in the spring a single Indian entered the town. 
The settlers were surprised, as he approached, to hear him say, 
" AV"elcome, Englishmen ! " He had learned a little English from 
previous voyagers. 

3. The name of this .Indian was Sam'-o-set. He told the white 



1621] VISIT OF SAMOSET. 45 

men that he belonged to a tribe that lived about five days' journey 
off. That they were welcome to the land wliere they liad settled, 
for there was no one else to claun it. That, several years before, the 
Indians who had lived there had been swept off by a pestilence. 
About tliis pestilence a curious story is told. 

4. It seems that, a few years before tlie Pilgrims landed, a 
French ship went ashore on Cape Cod, and the Indians cruelly put 
to death nearly all on board of her. One of the Frenchmen, who 
was spared, remained some time with the Indians as a captive. 
One day he told them that the Great Spirit would punish them for 
having killed his countrymen, and would give their land to othei's. 
But they laughed at him, and asked whether he supposed tliat liis 
Great Spirit could destroy so powerful a tribe as theirs. He replied 
that, if God wanted to destroy them. He would easily find a way. 
Soon after this a fatal disease broke out, which swept off n(3arly 
the whole tribe. The few that remained were killed by a hostile 
nation. This was the reason why the Puritans had seen so many 
graves, but no living Indians. 

5. The Pilgrims treated Samoset kindly, and soon after his 
chief, Mas-sas'-o-it, came to jmy them a visit. They received Mas- 
sasoit with .great respect. Tliey presented him two knives and a 
copper chain, and gave his brother a pot of " strong water", and 
some biscuits and butter. A treaty was made, and Massasoit and 
his tribe always remained faithful friends of the white men. 

6. Two of the Puritans soon afterwards returned Massasoit's 
visit. They found the chief very sick, and his medicine-men trying 
to cure him with hideous noises and foolish dances. Turning them 
out of the wigwam, one of the Puritans gave the chief some simple 
remedy, and restored him to health. He never forgot this kindness. 

Y. All the Indians, however, were not so friendly. A tribe 



40 THE PLYMOUTH COLONY. [1622 

that Avas at war witli Massasoit, sent to the Puritans a bnndle of 
arrows wrapped in a rattle-snake's skin. This was their way of de- 
chiring war. The Puritan governor sent back the skin tilled with 
powder and halls. The Indians thought the bullets were charms, 
and were so frightened that they concluded to let the white men 
alone. The Pilgrims, however, expecting an attack, put up a row 
of stakes, or palisades, as they were called, around their settlement. 

8. For some time the Puritans continued to suffer, especially 
from hunger. They could not raise enough to support tliem. There 
were lish in the bay, but they had no boats or nets wdth which to 
take them. Even two years after their arrival, they often went to 
bed at night without a bit of food for the morning. If a few of their 
old friends joined them, a lobster or a piece of fish, without any 
bread or anything else but a cup of w^ater, was all they had to 
olfer them. 

9. But in three or four years things were better. Each settler 
had his own tract of land. They worked hard, and com was raised 
in abundance. More of their own faith came over from England. 
In l()oO, their number had increased to three hundi-ed. From this 
time the colony flourished. 

Questions. — 1. What kind of a winter did the Puritans pass? "Whart was the state 
of tilings in April? — 2. AVhat signs did the country around riyniouth show? What was 
seen several times in the winter? Give an aecount of Samoset's visit. — 3. What did 
Sanioset tell the white men ? — 4. "What story is related about this pestilence ? — 5. How 
did the Pilgrims treat Samoset ? Who soon after vi^^ited them ? What did they present 
to Massasoit ? What did they give his brother ? What was the consequence ? — 1>. What 
service did two of the Puritans afterwards render to Massasoit ? — 7. What warlike mes- 
sage did the Puritans receive ? How did they answer it ? What was the result ? What 
precaution did the Pilgrims take ?— 8. From what did the Puritans suffer at first ? When 
their friends joined them, what did they have to offer them? — 9. In three or four years, 
what was the state of the colony ? How many Puritans did it contain in 1G30 ? 



1G30] 



MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. 



47 



LESSON XIV. 



SAL£M 



^JjfpROVIDENCE 



^ 



OTHER NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. 

1. Massachusetts Bay. — In 1030, a large company of Englisli 
Puritans, liaving obtained a grant of land on Massachusetts Bay, 
nortli of Plymouth, came out and 
founded Cambridge, Boston, and 
other places. Tliey formed what 
was called the Massachusetts i>ay 
Colony. Though these settlers, like 
the rest, suffered much at first from 
cold and hunger, they soon began 
to prosper. Mills were built, and 
trade commenced with the other 
colonies. Boston is now, you re- 
member, the capital of Massachu- 
setts, and the largest city in New 
England. Here is a map of the 
eastern part of Massachusetts. See 

if you can find Cape Cod — Plymouth — Boston — Salem. 

2. RnoDE Island. — The people of Salem had a young preacher 
named Iloger Williams. His belief was somewhat different from 
that of the other Puritan ministers ; but he claimed that lie had a 
right to worship in his own way, and preach what he thought was 
the Bible truth. This, however, the people of Massachusetts Bay 
would nf>t tolerate; aiid so they determined to send him back to 
England . 

3. Ilearing of their intentions, Poger "Williams fled from Salem 
into the wilderness. He resolved to find some place where he could 




MARTHA'S V\Ht>fh 



I 



48 



NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. 



[1636 



enjoy that freedom wliich the Puritans denied him. More than 
three months he wandered amid snow and rain, without either 
bread or bed. At last he reached some Indian wigwams, where he 
was kindly received. He bought of the Indians a tract on ISTarra- 
gansett Bay, and commenced a settlement. Grateful for God's 
mercy, he called this place Providence. Turn to the map on page 
47, and point out Providence, the first settlement in Rhode Island. 
4. There is a beautiful island in E'arragansett Bay, which the 

Indians called the Isle of Peace. Soon 
after Providence was founded, another 
party that had difficulties with the 
Puritans of Massachusetts Bay, bought 
this island of the Indians, and settled 
on it. They called it the Isle of 
Rhodes. linear its southern shore was 
a curious old tov/er, &hown in the en- 
graving. No one could tell who built 
it. Near this tower the city of New- 
port was founded. 
-Settlements were made in what is now 
the state of New Hampshire, as early as 1623. A nvimber of tra- 
ding and fishing posts were afterwards established thero. These set- 
tlements, at their own request, were received into the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony. But, after about forty years, they were foi;med into a 
separate province by the King of Great Britain, under tl\e name of . 
New Hampshire. \ 

6. Connecticut. — The Connecticut (or Long River, as ^he name 
means in the Indian language) was discovered by tlie iJutch of 
New Amsterdam. They built a fort where Hartford now\ stands, 
and opened a profitable trade with the Indians. But aftei\ a time 




5. New Hampshire.- 



1633] SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 49 

the people of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay heard of this long 
river, whose waters were filled with fish, and whose banks abound- 
ed in beaver and otter. One day in the year 1G33, the traders at 
the Dutch fort were surprised to see a little vessel come sailing up 
the river. They wanted to keep this pleasant country to them- 
selves. So, loading a cannon, they hailed the vessel, and told the 
captain to stop, or they would fire on him. 

7. The little vessel belonged to John Holmes. He had come 
from Plymouth to settle in the valley of the Connecticut, and 
brought with him the frame of a house to put up where he should 
land. He was not afraid of the Dutch or their cannon. So, since 
the wind was fair, he took no notice of their threats, but kept on 
his way. He passed the fort in safety, and settled a few miles 
higher up, at a place now called Windsor. 

8. It did not take long for reports concerning the fair valley of 
the Connecticut to reach England. A great lord obtained a grant 
of it, and a party of settlers was sent over. Tliey built a fort at the 
mouth of the river, and called it Say brook. 

Questions. — 1. When and by whom was the Massachusetts Bay colony cstabhshed? 
What places were founded? What has Boston since become ? — 2. Who was the founder 
of Rhode Island ? Where was Roger Williams settled ? Why did the people of Massa- 
chusetts Bay want to send him back to England ? — 3. How did Roger Williams escape 
being sent back to England? What did he resolve to do ? Give an account of his wan- 
derings. Where and how did he obtain some land ? What did he call his settlement ? 
— 4. What other settlement was soon after made ? What was found on the Isle of 
Rhode?? What city was founded near this tower? — 5. When was New Hampshire first 
settled ? With what colony were these settlements first united ? After forty years 
what was done with them ? — 0. What does the word Connecticut mean ? By whom was 
the Connecticut River discovered? Where did the Dutch build a fort? Who heard of 
this pleasant river ? What were the Dutch surprised to sec one day ? What did they 
do ? — 7. To whom did the vessel belong? Where was it from ? What did Holmes do ? 
Where did he settle ? — 8. Where and by whom was Saybrook founded ? 
4 



GO 



CONNECTICUT. 



[1635 



LESSOX XV. 

CONNECTICUT.— THE PEQUOD WAR. 

1. Connecticut, as we learned in the last lesson, was first perma- 
nently settled at AVindsor, by John Holmes. Two years afterwards, 
a party from Massachusetts Bay determined to settle there. They 
went over land, driving their cattle before them, through woods 
that neither cattle nor white men had ever before traversed. But 
they started too late. The river Avas frozen before they arrived. 
Their cattle perished, and they suliered much through the winter 
from want of food. 







1G36] THE PEQUOD WAR. 51 

2. The next summer, another party of about one hundred men, 
women, and children, set out from Boston for the valley of the Con- 
necticut. They lived mostly on the milk of their cows, which they 
took with them. Moving slowly along, they were nearly a fort- 
night in completing a journey which can now be made by railroad 
in three or four hours. They arrived safe, and founded Hartford 
and Wethersficld. 

3. Connecticut was inhabited by many powerful tribes of In- 
dians. Among these were the Pequods, who lived in what is now 
the south-eastern part of the state, near the mouth of the Thames 
[tames] Eiver. When the Pequods saw the white men spreading 
over their pleasant hunting-grounds, they were filled with jealousy 
and alarm ; and the whites, seeing how the Indians felt, distrusted 
them in turn, TJp to this time there had been peace between the 
whites and Indians ; but this suspicion soon produced war. 

4. One day, a trader, sailing off the coast, saw a boat which he 
knew belonged to one of the settlers named Oldham. It was full of 
Indians, and he suspected there was something wrong. So, although 
he had only two boys with him, he made for the boat. The Indians 
were frightened when they saw him, and as he approached they 
jumped over into the water. The trader went on board, and under 
a fishing-net he found Oldham's body, all mangled and bleeding. 

5. The people of New England determined to punish the mur- 
derers. A body of men started for the Pequod villages. The In- 
dians had fled, but there were their wigwams and corn-fields. Set- 
ting fire to these, tlie settlers laid waste the country far and wide. 
This roused the Pequods to a bloody revenge. Dividing into small 
parties, they surrounded solitary houses, cut off travellers, shot down 
the men as they worked in the fields, and scalped women and chil- 
dren at their own firesides. They spared none. 



52 THE PEQUOD WAR. [1630 

6. Resolving to cut off all the English settlers, the Pequods 
tried to get another tribe, the ISTar-ra-gan'-setts, to join them. When 
the people of Boston heard of this, they were greatly frightened. 
Knowing that Roger "Williams, whom they had driven out shortly 
before, was much beloved by the ]N"arragansetts, they sent to him, 
begging that he would dissuade his friends from joining the Pe- 
quods. This good man, on receiving their message, set out alone 
in his canoe, in a violent storm, for the I^arragansett village. He 
found the Pequod chiefs already there ; but he pleaded so earnestly, 
that, after wavering several days, the ISTarragansetts refused to join 
the Pequods, and declared themselves friends of the English. 

Y. The settlers now sent a body of men against the Pequods. 
Reaching one of their forts just before sun-rise, they surprised its 
inmates, and set fire to their wigwams. They then fonned a ring 
around the wigwams, and, as the flames drove the Indians out, shot 
them down without mercy. Six hundred Pequods perished in an 
hour. The next morning, the rest of the tribe, who had been at 
another fort, came in sight and renewed the battle. Tliey fought 
bravely, but were defeated by the English. The few that survived 
were pursued from place to place, and the whole tribe was de- 
stroyed. 

8. In 1638, the year after the Pequod W"ar, l^ew Haven was 
founded, as a distinct colony, by a company of Puritans from Eng- 
land. The new colonists adopted the Bible as their only rule of 
public action. 

0. The 'New England colonies grew and flourished. In 1643, 
they contained over flfty villages. Threatened at this time by the 
Indians, and also by the Dutch and French, they thought it best to 
combine for their mutual protection in case of war. Accordingly, 
Plvmouth, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and N'ew Haven, form- 



1643] MARYLAND. 63 

ed an alliance under the name of " The United Colonies of Xew 
England ". This league lasted forty years, and was of great benefit 
to all. 

Questions. — 1. When and by whom was Connecticut first permanently settled ? Two 
years afterwards, who went there ? What befell this party from Massachusetts Bay ? — 
2. What took place the next summer? On what did the emigrants live? How long did 
it take them to make the journey ? What places did they found ? — 3. By whom was the 
greater part of Connecticut inhabited? Where did the Pequods live? What excited 
their jealousy ? What was the consequence ? — 4. How was the murder of Oldham dis- 
covered ? — 5. How did the people of New England punish the murderers ? What was 
the consequence ? — 6. Whom did the Pequods try to rouse against the English settlers ? 
How did the English prevent them from succeeding? — 7. What measures were next 
taken by the settlers ? Give an account of the battle with the Pequods. What took 
place the next morning? What became of the few that survived ? — 8. When was New 
Haven founded ? By whom ? What did the settlers of New Haven adopt as their rule 
of public action? — 9. Tn 1643, how many villages did the New England colonies contain? 
What alliance was formed in this year ? How long did this league last ? 



LESSON XVI. 

MARYLAND.— DELAWAEE.— NEW JERSEY. 

1. Maryland. — The next colony, founded was Maryland. The 
region now so called was granted by the King of England to George 
Calvert, Lord Baltimore. Calvert desired to establish a colony 
where all might enjoy civil and religious freedom. His charter 
provided that the English government should not tax the colony 
or interfere with its affairs. The tract thus granted was called Ma- 
ryland in honor of Henrietta Maria, the Queen of England. 

2. Lord Baltimore died before he could plant his colony ; but 
]iis son, Ce-cil Calvert, succeeded to the grant. In 1634, he sent 
over from England two hundred emigrants. Tliey sailed up the 
Potomac Eiver, which separates Maryland from Virginia, bought 



54 DELAWARE. [1634 

some land from the natives, and built a little village. They gave 
the Indians knives, hoes, and axes ; and the Indian women in return 
taught them how to make corn-bread and johnny-cake. 

3. Tlie settlers of Maryland did not suffer, like those who found- 
ed the other colonies. Tliey arrived at a favorable season, and were 
helped by the people of Virginia. They were free and happy, and 
numbers joined them from England. Tlieir only trouble was caused 
by a man named Clay borne, who, before their arrival, had estab- 
lislicd a trading-post witliin tlieir boimdaries. He stirred up seve- 
ral rebellions, but was at last put down. Baltimore, now the larg- 
est city in Maryland, was named after the founder of this colony. 

4. Delaware. — Delaware was next founded, in 1638, by a 
company of Swedes and Finns. The Swedes are the inhabitants of 
Sweden, and the Finns of Finland, — two countries in the north of 
Europe. Thong]i tlicse nations had made no discoveries in the new 
world, they wanted to have a colony there, and fitted out a party 
of emigrants. Landing on the shore of Delaware Bay, the Swedes 
bonglit a tract from the Indians, and gave it the name of New Swe- 
den. They erected several forts, and were soon joined by more of 
their countrymen. 

5. Several years before the Swedes arrived, a party of Dutch 
from New Netherlands had settled in this region. They had been 
cut off by the Indians ; yet now, when the Dutch saw strangers 
taking possession, they claimed the comitry on the ground that 
they had been the first to occupy it. A quarrel thus arose, which 
resulted (in 1655) in the conquest of New Sweden by the Dutch. 
The name was afterwards changed to Delaware. 

6. The Dutch of New Netherlands had gone on trading and 
prospering, though for a time they suftered much from a war w^ith 
the Indians, provoked by the cruelty of one of their governors. 



1647] CONQUEST OF NEW NETHERLANDS. 55 

Soon after tliis, Stuyvesant [stl'-^je-scmt], a gallant old soldier who 
had lost a leg in the wars, became governor. It was under him 
that New Sweden was conquered. 

7. Wliile Stuyvesant was governor, the King of England grant- 
ed the whole tract occupied by the Dutch to his brother, the Duke 
of York. Of course it was not his to grant, but he did not mind 
that. A powerful fleet was sent out to take possession. When the 
English arrived off New Amsterdam, they summoned Stuyvesant to 
surrender. But he boldly tore their letter to pieces, and, taking his 
station on the battery, prepared to fire on them as tliey approaclied. 

8. Upon this, the people of New Amsterdam told Stuyvesant 
that if he fought the English lie would have to do it alone. He 
had kept them down too much. So now they thought they would 
be just as well off under the English as they had ever been, and 
they refused to stand by their old governor. Brave as he was, 
therefore, he had to surrender. All the Dutch possessions, inclu- 
ding what had been New Sweden, thus passed without the firing of 
a shot into the hands of the English. 

9. This took place in lOGl. Tlie English were now masters of 
the whole Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida. In honor of the 
Duke of York, both the settlement of New Amsterdam and the 
whole colony of New Netherlands, after their conquest by the Eng- 
lish, were called New Yokk. 

10. New Jersey. — We have already seen that some of the Dutch 
traders had spread out west of the Hudson, and founded several 
villages. When the Duke of York gained possession of his grant, 
he gave this part of it to two of his friends, who called it New Jer- 
sey. They promised an unusual degree of freedom to all who 
would settle there, and the consequence was that New Jersey be- 
came rapidly peopled. 



56 KING PHILIP'S WAR. [IGT5 

Questions. — 1. What was the next colony founded? To whom was the region now 
called Maryland granted? What did Calvert desire? What did his charter provide? 
Why was this tract called Maryland? — 2. By whom was a colony planted in Maryland? 
When? Where did they build a village? What did they give the Indians? What did 
the Indian women teach them ? — 8. What is said of the settlers of Maryland ? By whom 
was their only trouble caused ? What is the largest city in Maryland ? After whom was 
it named ? — 4. When was Delaware founded ? By whom ? Who arc the Swedes ? The 
Finns? Where did they land? How did they obtain a tract? What did they call it? 
What did they erect? — 5. Who disputed the right of the Swedes to this region? On 
what ground? What was the result ? To what was the name of New Sweden changed ? 
— 6. From what did the Dutch of New Netherlands suffer for a time? Under whom was 
New Sweden conquered ? — 7. While Stuy vesant was governor, what grant was made by 
the King of England ? AVhat was the consequence? When the English fleet arrived, 
what did Stuy vesant do?— 8. How did the people of New Amsterdam feel on the subject? 
Why was this ? What followed? — 9. When did the English make this conquest? What 
now belonged to them ? To Avhat did they change the names of New Amsterdam and 
New Netherlands? — 10. What was the origin of New Jersey ? What caused it to become 
rapidly peopled? 



LESSON XVII. 

KING PHILIP'S WAPw. 



1. For some years after the Pequod War, the 'New England 
colonies had no trouble witli the Indians. But in 1G75 King Philip's 
War broke out, which at first thi*eatened to sweep off every white 
settler in Massachusetts. Philip was the son of Massasoit, who 
had been the friend of the English. He was the chief of the "Wani- 
pa-no'-ags, who liA'ed in what is now the state of Eh ode Island, 
east of Narragansett Bay. Find their country on the map on page 
47. The N^arragansetts, you will see, lived on the opposite side of 
the bay. 

2. The whites had now spread out very much. Tlie Indians, 
seeing what had once been their hunting-grounds covered with 



16T5] KING PHILIP'S WAR. 57 

thriving villages, feared that they would be driven out altogether 
from the land of their fathers. So they prepared to defend them- 
selves ; and, when a friendly Indian revealed their plans to the peo- 
ple of Plymouth, they murdered him. Tliree of the Wampanoags 
were tried for this crime by the Puritans, found guilty, and 
hanged. 

3. Philip knew the power of the English, and had tried to avoid 
war ; but he could now restrain his followers no longer. Dividing 
into parties of twenty or thirty, they fell upon the frontier villages 
and farm-houses of Massachusetts, burned them to the ground, 
killed their occupants, and were off to the forest before any aid 
could arrive. Lying in ambush for the parties sent out against 
them, they cut off the flower of the settlements, and spread terror 
everywhere. 

4. A few days after the war commenced, Captain Church with 
thirty-six men was attacked on the sea-shore by three hundred In- 
dians. They took their posts behind some rocks, and defended 
themselves for six hours. At last, as night was setting in, their 
ammunition gave out. It would have fared badly with the bold 
Puritans, if a sloop had not just at this time come up and taken 
them off. Captain Church escaped, though a bullet passed through 
his hair. 

5. Meanwhile Philip, who threw himself into the war with all 
his powers, had gone among the neighboring tribes, and persuaded 
them to join him. In a few months he found himself at the liead 
of three thousand men. With these, when cold weather set in, he 
repaired to a large swamp in the country of his allies, the JSTarra- 
gansetts, and, building a fort, prepared to winter there. ]N"ow was 
the time for the English. A thousand men were sent in December 
against King Philip. They found the Indian fort on an island in 



58 



KING PHILIFS WAR. 



[1675 



the swamp. Tlie only way to reach it was by crossing a tree which 
at one point had been thrown across the deep stagnant water. 

6. Several times the English tried to get across, but were driven 
back with loss. At last they succeeded in entering the fort. It 




Puritans attacking King Philip's Fort. 

contained five hundred wigwams, which were soon in flames. The 
Indians, though they fought bravely, were totally defeated. Num- 
bers of them were killed ; but Philip and Ca-non'-chet, the ^N'arra- 
gansett chief, got away in safety. Hard indeed was the lot of those 
who escaped. "Without shelter and almost without food, they were 
exposed to the fierce storms of a severe winter. 

7. Three or four months after " the Swamp Fight ", Canonchet 
was captured. Still he was as proud as ever. When a young sol- 
dier asked him some questions, he replied, " Child, you do not un- 
derstand war. Let your chief come ; I will answer him." They 



1676] FALL OF KING PHILIP. 59 

offered him his life, if he would persuade the Indians to make peace ; 
but he refused with scorn. lie was then sentenced to he shot. 

8. Philip, meanwhile, rested not, burning towns, and torturing 
his prisoners. Ilis men, however, suffered much from hunger, 
sometimes having nothing to eat but the clams on the sea-shore, 
which they had to go miles to obtain. Many of them now fell off, 
and others were killed or captured by Captain Church, who had 
taken the field. Among those taken were the wife and son of Philip. 
Tliis broke Philip's heart. Deserted by all but a few faithful fol- 
lowers, hunted down by the English, he eould only die like an In- 
dian warrior. 

9. With his few remaining men, PhilijD now took refuge in a 
swamp near the head of Xarragansett Bay. Here Captain Church 
surrounded him. A party of English, j>enetrating the swamp, 
reached the Indian camp at sunrise. In trying to escape, Philip 
approached a tree behind which an Englishman and an Indian de- 
serter were stationed. The Englishman aimed at him, but the dew 
had wxt his powder, and his gun missed fire. Tlie Indian deserter 
then shot his former chief through the heart. 

10. Thus perished this great chief, and with his fall the war 
ceased. Six hundred of the best men of 'New England had been 
slain ; six hundred houses had been burned by the savages. The In- 
dians had suffered still more. Two whole tribes were destroyed. 
For some years after this, Kew England enjoyed peace. 

Questions. — 1. "What war broke out in 16*75? Who was Philip? Of what tribe was 
he chief? Where did the Wampanoags live? Where did the Xarragansetts live? — 2. 
What was the cause of King Philip's war? — 3. How was the war commenced by the 
savages ? — 4. Give an account of Captain Church's encounter with the Indians. — 5. In a 
few months, how many men did King Philip raise? Where did he get them? What 
did he do when cold weather set in ? What measures were now taken by the Bliglish ? 
What was the only way of reaching Philip's fort ? — 6. Describe the swamp fight. How 



60 INDIAN TROUBLES IN VIRGINIA. [1618 

did it result ? Who got away in safety ? What was the lot of those who escaped ? — 
T. What became of Canonchct ? How did he answer a young soldier who asked him some 
questions ? — 8. Meanwhile, what was Philip engaged in doing ? From what did his men 
suffer ? What became of many of them ? What broke Philip's heart? What now alone 
was left him? — 9. Where did Philip at last take refuge? By whom was he surrounded? 
Give an account of Philip's death. — 10. What did King Philip's war cost New England? 
What were its consequences to the Indians ? After this, what was the state of things in 
New England ? 



LESSOl^ XYIII. 

VIEGINIA,-INDIAN TEOUELES.— BACON'S REBELLION. 

1. We must now return to Yirginia. When Powhatan died, 
his brother succeeded him. lie soon became an enemy to the Eng- 
lish, — and not without reason ; for some of the settlers treated the 
Indians very ill, driving them from their own wigwams and rob- 
bing them of their corn. The Indians resolved on vengeance. They 
pretended to be fonder than ever of the English, and brought them 
presents of game. But all at once, on an appointed day, they fell 
on every settlement in the colony with war-whoop and tomahawk. 

2. Tlie night before, a friendly Indian had disclosed the plot to 
the peo2:)le of Jamestown, and here the savages were driven back ; 
but everywhere else they were successful. Tlie settlers were taken 
off their guard ; their houses and barns were burned. A bloody 
war thus arose. 'No one could till the fields. Food became scarce ; 
and, though the Lidians were at last put down, it was long before 
the colony recovered from the effects of the massacre. 

3. In 1644, the same crafty chief, the brothei- of Powhatan, got 
up another plot among his people for murdering the Yirginians. 
He was now over a hundred years old, but as cunning as ever. He 
laid his plans so well that the settlers were surprised, and several 

i 



1644] BACON'S REBELLION. 61 

hundred killed. A party, however, was sent out against the In- 
dians, and the old chief himself was captured. He was brought a 
prisoner to Jamestown, and there cruelly shot by the sentinel who 
was guarding him. 

4. At this time, Berkeley was governor of Virginia. At first he 
was much liked ; but, when the people found that he kept them 
down and taxed them to enrich himself, they turned against him. 
One of the chief things they complained of was that he would not 
take measures to protect them from the natives. lie made money 
by selling licenses to trade with the Indians, and was unwilling to 
provoke a war, for that would interfere with his profits. 

5. About thirty years after the fall of Powhatan's brother, as 
related above, the Indians again became troublesome. Again they 
had been provoked by cruelty on the part of the whites. In vain 
the people begged Governor Berkeley to send out a force to protect 
the frontier. There w^as at this time in the colony a brave and tal- 
ented young man named Bacon, who had lately come over from 
England. Urged by his friends, and hearing of several murders 
committed by the Indians on his own plantation, he raised a body 
of men, pursued the savages, and defeated them. 

6. Bacon did this without the governor's permission, and Berke- 
ley, choosing to regard the act as treason, raised a force and march- 
ed against him. A great part of the year 1G76 was spent in a 
struggle between Bacon and the governor. At last Bacon obtained 
a decided advantage. Berkeley was driven from Jamestown ; and, 
to prevent it from falling again into his hands, it was burned to the 
ground. In the engraving you see some of the patriots setting fire 
to their own houses. 

7. In the midst of his success. Bacon died. Berkeley at once 
resumed the chief power. Those who had taken part in " Bacon's 



02 



BACON'S REBELLION. 



[16TG 



Ecbellion ", <is it was called, were persecuted without mercy. Over 
twenty persons were put to death. The people were oppressed 




more tlian ever, and rejoiced wlien at last the tyrant sailed for Eng- 
land. There he was treated with the contempt he deserved, and he 
soon died of mortification. 

8. The people of Virginia did not gain much by a change of 
governors. For some years they were ruled by men who tried to 
extort from them all they could. They struggled bravely for their 
rights, but for a time without success. 

9. Jamestown was never rebuilt. There were, at this time, no 
other towns in Virginia; for the colony was divided into large 
l)lantations, on which corn and tobacco were raised. Journeys were 
made in boats or on horseback. The roads were mere bridle-paths 
through the forests. When the traveller came to a stream, he had 



1G53] NORTH CAROLINA. 63 



to swim liis liorso over it, for there were neither ferries nor bridges. 
The houses were mostly of logs, and one story liigli. The windows 
were closed with shutters, for want of glass. There Avere no news- 
papers, and few if any schools. How things have changed within 
two hundred years ! 

QcESTioxs.— 1. By whom was Powliatan succeeded in Virginia? What made Pow- 
hatan's brother an enemy to the English ? On wliat did the Indians resolve ? Give an 
account of their plot. — 2. How was Jamestown saved ? What took place in the other 
settlements in Virginia? What followed ? — 3. What took place in 1644? What became 
of the crafty old chief?— 4. Who was governor of Virginia at this time? How did the 
people feel towards Berkeley ? Why was he unwilling to provoke a war with the natives ? 
— 5. What took place about thirty years after the full of Powhatan's brother ? Who 
rose up in defence of the colony? What led him to do so? — 6. How did Berkeley re- 
gard this proceeding of Bacon's ? What did he do? How was a great part of the vcar 

1G76 spent? How did the struggle result? What does the engraving represent? 7. 

What became of Bacon ? What was done to those who had taken part in Bacon's rebel- 
lion ? Where did Berkeley finally go ? How was he treated ? — 8. What kind of gov- 
ernors did the Virginians have for some years? What struggle was carried on? 9. 

Was Jamestown ever rebuilt? How was the colony divided? Describe the state of 
things in Virginia two hundred years ago. 



LESSOX XIX. 

CAEOLINA.— PENNSYLVANIA. 



1. XoRTH CAnoLTNA. — In 1G53, some planters from Virginia, in- 
vited hy the fine soil and pleasant climate, moved towards the 
south, and settled in what is now North Carolina. Ten years after- 
wards, the King of England granted the country frojn Vir- 
ginia to Florida to several of his favorites. Tliey drew up a plan 
for a great empire. A few lords were to have all the power, while 
the people w^ere to do the work. Tliis did not suit the free and 



64 SOUTH CAROLINA. [1670 

liardy settlers. They insisted on tlieir rights, and the great lords 
had to yield. 

2. South Caeoltna. — ^The first settlement in South Carolina 
was made in 1670, by emigrants from England. In 1672, Charles- 
ton, now the largest city in the state, was founded. The country 
was so delightful that emigrants were attracted to it in great num- 
bers from Scotland, Ireland, and France. Tlie plan that had been 
drawn up for exalting a few lords at the expense of the people, 
would not answer here any more than in North Carolina, and was 
soon laid aside. 

3. For a time the people of both ISTorth and South Carolina had 
some trouble with their governors. These governors, for the most 
part, neither knew nor cared what was for the good of the colonists, 
but tried to extort from them all the money they could. The peo- 
ple, however, would not submit. After a long struggle, they suc- 
ceeded in establishing their rights. Both colonies were then happy 
and prosjDerous. 

4. Rice and cotton are now among the chief productions of 
South Carolina. Rice came from some seed which was brought 
from Madagascar, an island on the coast of Africa. Cotton was 
raised near Jamestown, soon after it was founded ; but the tobacco 
crop was found more profitable, and it was not till about 1700 that 
much attention was paid to cotton. 

5. Pennsylvania. — ^The Swedes who settled Delaware spread 
out towards the north, and had some thriving plantations within 
the limits of what is now called Pennsylvania. They were con- 
quered by the Dutch, you remember ; and the Dutch in turn yield- 
ed to the English. After remaining for a time under the govern- 
ment of New York, the region west of the Delaware was transferred 
to "William Penn, and called from him Pennsylvania. 



16811 



WILLIAM PENX. 



Co 



6. William Penn was a Quaker. Tlie Quakers were a pure, 
good people, — but in some things peculiar. Tliey wore broad- 
brimmed bats, wbicli tbey would not take off before lord, or judge, 
or even the King himself. Tliey called no man Mister. Tliej 
would not address the King as Yom^ Majesty^ but called him 
Friend Charles or Friend James^ as the case might be. Thej 
thought war was wrong, and wished to live in peace and love with 
all men. 

7. The Quakers were cruelly persecuted in England. William 
Penn himself had been thrown into prison, and suffered much on 
account of his opinions. He thought it would be a great thing to 
establish a colony where the Quakers could be free and happy. 
Kow, the King had owed his father, who was a famous admiral, a 




Penn's Treaty with the Indians. 



06 SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. [1682 

large sum of money ; and Penn, in payment of tlie debt, obtained 
a grant of land in the new world, as mentioned above. 

8. Penn, with a large company of Quakers, reached the shore 
of America in 1682. The next year, he laid out on the Delaware 
the fine city of Philadelphia, now the second in size in the Union. 
Penn treated all men honestly. He bought his land of the Swedes 
and Indians. Calling the Indians together under a great elm, he 
made them presents, assured them of his love, and asked their 
friendship in return. Tlie Ped Men met him kindly. They j)rom- 
ised to live in peace with him and his children as long as sun and 
moon should endure. 

9. The Indians kept their word. For seventy years, Pennsylva- 
nia had no trouble with the natives. The people enjoyed a free 
government, and numbers flocked there from other parts of the new 
world and from Europe. In three years Philadelphia grew more 
than New York had done in fifty years. But Penn did not profit 
by its prosperity. He was unjustly deprived of his rights in the 
colony, and died in poverty. 

Questions. — 1. "When and by whom "was North Carolina first settled? Ten years 
afterwards, what grant was made ? What kind of a plan was drawn up for the govern- 
ment of Carolina? How did the settlers like this? — 2. When and by whom was South 
Carolina first settled ? When was Charleston founded ? From what countries were emi- 
grants attracted ? How did the plan drawn up for the government of Carolina succeed 
here ? — 3. What difficulties arose with the governors ? How did they result ? — 4. What 
are among the chief products of South Carolina ? Where did rice come from ? What is 
said of the raising of cotton ? — 5. Give the early history of the first settlements in what is 
now Pennsylvania. To M'hom was this region finally transferred ? Whence did it receive 
its name? — 6. What was William Penn? Describe the Quakers. — 1. How were the 
Quakers treated in England ? How had William Penn been treated ? How was it that 
he obtained a grant in the new world? — 8. When did Penn and his Quakers reach 
America ? What did he do the next year ? How did Penn treat all men ? Give an ac- 



1G46] INDIAN MISSIONS. 67 

count of his treaty with the Indians. — 9. How long was Pennsylvania free from troubles 
with the natives? What is said of the growth of Philadelphia? What became of 
Penn? 



LESSOI XX. 
INDIAN MISSIONS.-FEENCH EXPLOEEES. 

1. The Puritans were moral and industrious, but stern and 
formal. Thej cro^^ped tlieir hair close to their heads, and were op- 
posed to wigs and veils. Thej thought it wicked for women to 
wear lace, silk hoods, or flowing sleeves. They observed the Sab- 
bath strictly, and commenced it on Saturday evening. They liked 
very long prayers and sermons, and punished those who stayed 
away from church. 

2. The Puritans had fled from England to escape persecution. 
Yet, when they got the power in the new world, they persecuted 
others. The colony of Massachusetts Bay, you remember, drove 
out Roger "Williams. They treated Quakers still worse, fining and 
whipping such as were found within the limits of the colony. At 
last, they even put several Quakers to death. How could they 
think that such cruelty was pleasing to God ? 

3. Towards the Indians the Puritans showed a better spirit. 
John Eliot and other good men went among them, and tried to 
make them Christians. Eliot translated the Bible into their lan- 
guage, and opened a school for Indian youth. He taught the wo- 
men to spin, and the men to dig. His kindness won their hearts, 
and many of the natives in Eastern Massachusetts received the 
truths he taught. 

4. The Puritans were not alone in trying to convert the Indians. 
We learned that the French at an early date explored the St. Law- 



68 INDIAN MISSIONS. [1608 

rence Eiver. In 1608, they founded Quebec on its left bank. The 
trade in furs with the Indians was found profitable, and various 
French settlements were made in different parts of what is now 
called Canada. With the traders came out a number of Eoman 
Catholic priests and Jesuits, who travelled far out in the north-west 
and preached to the Indians. 

5. Several little forts were built by these French priests in what 
is now the states of Michigan and Illinois. It was then of course 
a wilderness. Torture and death were often the reward of the de- 
voted missionaries. Even after having once suffered much and es- 
caped, they would go back to preach to the same savages that had 
ill-treated them. 

6. Tliis was the case with Father Jogues [^hog]. The Dutch 
redeemed him from the Mohawks after he had been nearly tortured 
to death. He found his way back to Canada ; but shortly after, 
when a missionary was to be sent to these same Mohawks, he offer- 
ed himself for the work, and went, saying, " I shall never return ". 
His words were fulfilled. Soon after his arrival, the savages de- 
clared he had blighted their crop, and put him to death. 

7. Marquette [7nar-Jcef] and Joliet [^hole-ya^], two devoted 
French missionaries, in the course of their wanderings, discovered 
the upper part of the Mississij^pi, as De Soto had the lower part 
more than a hundred years before. They sailed some distance down 
the great river. Tlie Indians along its banks were friendly, and 
feasted them with hominy and fish. Marquette afterwards under- 
took another expedition. He landed to say his prayers on the baiilv of 
a stream in Michigan, and died there while engaged in his devotions. 

8. The greatest of these French explorers was La Salle [lah sal']. 
He set out for the west in the first sail-boat that ever crossed Lake 
Ontario. He met with many adventures, built forts, traded with 



1GT8] LA SALLE'S EXPEDITION. 69 

the Indians, and went where white men had never been before. 
Part of his company discovered the Falls of Saint Anthony in the 
Mississippi. In 1682, he sailed down the Mississippi to the Gnlf 
of Mexico, and called the country Louisiana, after Louis XIY., King 
of France. 

9. La Salle then went to France, to obtain the means of found- 
ing a colony at the mouth of the Mississip]3i. He was intrusted 
with several ships, and a large amount of stores. But his store- 
ship was wrecked on the coast of what is now called Texas. He 
could not find the mouth of the great river. Leaving some of his 
men to settle in Texas, he set out with the rest, to find his way 
across the continent to Canada. 

10. La Salle had not gone far when he was killed by one of his 
company. The murderer himself soon after perished, and few of 
the party succeeded in reaching Canada. Though La Salle failed 
to plant a permanent colony, his expedition gave the French King 
a claim to the whole valley of the Mississippi. 

Questions. — 1. Describe the Puritans. — 2. "Why had the Puritans fled from England? 
How did they act when they got the power in the new world ? Whom did they drive 
out ? How did they treat Quakers ? — 3. What spirit did the Puritans display towards 
the Indians ? What was done by Eliot ? What success did Eliot meet with ? — 4. What 
other people sent missionaines among the Indians ? What river was explored by the 
French ? What city was founded by them in 1608 ? Where were various French settle- 
ments made ? Who came out with the traders ? — 5. Where were several little forts built 
by the French ? What reward did the missionaries often meet with ? How did they 
show their devotion? — 6. Tell the story of Father Jogues. — 7. By whom was the upper 
part of the Mississippi discovered ? Give an account of their wanderings. What afterwards 
happened to Marquette ? — 8. Who was the greatest of these French explorers ? Give an 
account of La Salle's wanderings. What discovery was made by part of his company ? 
^^Tiat did La Salle do in 1682?— 9. What did La Salle next do? What accident befell 
hira ? Where did he finally try to make his way ? — 10. What was the fate of La Salle ? 
What became of his party ? What claim did the French King base on La Salle's discoveries ? 



10 KING WILLIAM'S WAR. [1689 



LESSOx\ XXI. 

KING WILLIAM'S WAR. 

1. The French now possessed many posts in Canada and the far 
west, and had great influence with some of the native tribes. The 
English settlements were still more numerous, and stronger. So it 
is not strange that the two parties should have been jealous of each 
other. In 1689, troubles arose between the Kings of France and 
England, and hostilities at once commenced in the new world. 
As William III. now held the crown of England, this was called 
King "William's War. 

2. The first thing the French did was to excite their Indian allies 
against the English. There was an old man called Major Waldron, 
living in Dover, New Hampshire, who had once treated the natives 
cruelly, and to whom some of them were in debt for goods. About 
dark one night, a couple of squaws knocked at his door, and asked 
to stay there all night, as they were very tired. Major Waldron 
told them that they might ; but, as soon as the fixmily were asleep, 
they opened the door and let in a band of Indians. 

3. They set the old man on a table. He had been a mag- 
istrate ; and, mocking him, they cried out, " Judge Indians now, as 
you used to do." Then the cruel savages who owed him money, 
drew their knives across his breast, saying that thus they crossed 
out their accounts. After killing Major AYaldron, they attacked 
the neighboring houses, putting to death all whom they could. 

4. The following winter, a body of French and Indians surprised 
Sche-nec'-ta-dy. This -was a flourishing village, sixteen miles from 
Albany. There was a wall of palisades around it, but the sentinel 
had gone to sleep, and the assailants entered through the gate. 



1690] STORY OF MRS. DUSTIN. '71 

The inhabitants were roused by the terrible war-whoop and the 
crackling flames of their houses. Some were killed in their beds. 
Others fled into the wilderness in their night-clothes. The rest 
were driven off as captives, and the town was reduced to ruins. 
Other places on the frontier suiiered in the same way. 

5. These outrages at last roused the English. They sent 
two expeditions against the French at Montreal and Quebec. One 
was beaten back, and the other returned without effecting any- 
thing. Throughout this war, which lasted eight years, the French 
and their Indian allies had the better of tlie English. 

6. Mrs. Dustin showed a daring spirit. She was lying sick, with 
a young babe beside her, when a band of Indians fell upon the 
house. They killed the poor infant, and nuide her get up, sick as 
she was, and go with them. Mr. Dustin was working in a field 
near by. lie could not help her ; but, telling his children to run 
for the woods, he kept the Indians off with his gun, and thus with 
difficulty saved them. 

7. Mrs. Dustin, her nurse, and a boy, were driven off many 
miles to the north. Threatened every day with death, they at last 
resolved to risk their lives in an effort to escape. The boy told his 
master that he wanted to make a great warrior, and asked where 
he should strike a person in order to kill him. The savage showed 
him, and he told Mrs. Dustin and the nurse. That same night, the 
three softly arose. They struck the sleeping Indians in the way 
the boy had been shown, and killed the whole party that had cap- 
tured them. Then they seized on a canoe, paddled down the river, 
and were soon among their friends, who had given them u^^ as lost. 

Questions. — 1. What cause was there for jealousy between the French and Englisli ? 
In 1G89, what took place? What was this war called, and why ?— 2. What was the first 
step taken by the French ? What stratagem was practised by the Indians in Dover, 



72 QUEEN ANNE'S WAR. [1T02 

New Hampshire ? — 3 How did the Indians treat Major Waldron ? What did they do to 
the neighboring houses ? — 4. Give an account of the attack on Schenectady. — 5. What ex- 
peditions were sent out by the Enghsh ? What was their success ? Which side had the 
better throughout King William's War ? — 6. Give an account of the capture of Mrs. 
Dustin. — 'j . What was done with Mrs. Dustin ? How did she escape ? 



LESSOX XXII. 

QUEEN ANNE'S WAE.— THE SOUTH-WEST.— GEORGIA FOUNDED. 

1. In 1Y02, another war broke ont, between tlie French and 
Spanish and the English. It was called, from the Queen of Eng- 
land, Queen Anne's War. In the new world, hostilities began in 
the south-west. The governor of South Carolina marched against 
the Spaniards at Saint Augustine, Florida. Before he could take 
the castle, two Spanish vessels appeared off the coast, and he had 
to leave his stores and run away. He afterwards set out against 
the Indian allies of the French and Spanish, and succeeded in burn- 
ing several of their villages and taking a number of prisoners. 

2. The French and Spanish in return made an attack on Charles- 
ton. They were bravely n:iet by the inhabitants, who drove them 
back, and took a French frigate in the harbor. Tliough thus suc- 
cessful, the planters of Carolina suffered much for several years 
from the incursions of the savages, who were excited against them 
by the French and Spanish. 

3. In the winter of 1704, some French and Indians from Canada 
made a descent on Deerfield, in the northern part of Massachusetts. 
They were expected, and sentinels were posted every night. But 
the cunning Frenchman kept his men in the woods till daybreak, 
when the guard was dismissed. Tlien, climbing up the snow, 
which was piled to the top of the palisades, they were in the town 
in a moment. 



1704] NEW ORLEANS FOUNDED. 73 

4. Every house in Deerfield was burned but one, and that was 
riddled with bullets. Many were killed, and still more made pris- 
oners. Among the latter were Mr. Williams, the minister of the 
place, his wife, and five children. They were driven many miles 
through the snow ; and at last Mrs. Williams, who was sick, sank 
from exhaustion, and was killed before her husband's eyes. After 
remaining a prisoner many months, Mr. Williams was ransomed, 
and returned to his friends, with all his children but a daughter 
seven years old. 

5. Years rolled on, and Deerfield was rebuilt. One day, a wo- 
man dressed like a sq[uaw entered the town. Her face was unlike 
an Indian's, and the people asked her who she was. She answered 
that she was the lost daughter of Mr. Williams ; that she was mar- 
ried to an Indian, and had several children in Canada. The people 
begged her to stay with them ; but she would not leave her husband 
and children, and went back to Canada. 

6. The King of France was not discouraged by La Salle's ill 
success. He sent out more emigrants, who found the mouth of the 
Mississippi, sailed up the river, and built a fort where l!^atchez now 
stands. In 1718, the city of Kew Orleans was laid out. At first it 
grew but slowly ; but now it is the great city of the south-west. 

7. The colonists of Louisiana, as this whole region was then 
called, soon got in trouble with the natives. The IsTatchez Indians 
had a village near the French fort, which the French wanted to 
seize and turn into a plantation. This roused the J^atchez, who 
fell on the fort and put to death all except the women and children. 
The people of Xew Orleans avenged this massacre by destroying 
the whole tribe. 

8. The last settled of the colonies was Georgia. In 1733, Ogle- 
thorpe \o' -gel-thorj}]^ having obtained a grant from George IL, King 



74 SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. [1733 

of Great Britain, in whose honor he named his colony, reached the 
Savannah River with a company of emigrants. The beautiful city 
of Savannah was founded, with wide and regular streets, and large 
gardens around the houses. More emigrants came over, and through 
the wisdom of Oglethorpe the colony flourished. 

9. Oglethorpe treated the Indians kindly, and they met him in 
the same spirit. Soon after his arrival, several chiefs. came to wel- 
come him. They brought him a bufi'alo skin, adorned with the 
head and feathers of an eagle, in token of their friendship, and 
asked him to love and protect their families. 

10. We have now had an account of the founding of the Thir- 
teen Colonies. See if you can remember them in order, with the 
date of each. 

1. Virginia, by the English, at Jamestown, in 1607. 

2- New York, by the Dutch, at New Amsterdam, in 1614. 

3. 'New Jersey, by Dutch traders, at Bergen, in 1618. 

4. Massachusetts, by English Puritans, at Plymouth, in 1620. 

5. New Hampshire, by the English, at Dover and Portsmouth, in 1623. 

6. Delaware, by the Swedes and Finns, in 1627. 

7. Maryland, by the English under Lord Baltimore, in 1634. 

8. Connecticut, by Puritans from Massachusetts, in 1635. 

9. Rhode Island, by Roger Williams, at Providence, in 1636. 

10. Pennsylvania, by Swedes from Delaware, in 1643. 
By Enghsh Quakers, at Philadelphia, in 1683. 

11. North Carolina, by emigrants from Virginia, in 1653. 

12. South Carolina, by the English, near Charleston, in 1670 

13. Georgia, by the English, at Savannah, in 1733. 

Questions. — 1. What war broke out in 1*702? Where did hostilities begin in the 
new world? What was done by the governor of South Carolina? What expedition did 
he afterwards undertake ? — 2. What attack was made in return by the French and 
Spanish ? What success did they meet with ? From what did the planters of Carolina 
suffer ? — 3. In 1704, what place was attacked ? How did the French and Indians get 



1T52] WASHINGTON'S EXPEDITION. 75 

inside of the palisades? — 4. How did the attack on Deertield terminate? Who were 
taken prisoners ? What became of Mrs. Williams ? What became of Mr. Williams and 
most of his family ? — 5. Tell the story of Mr. Williams' little daughter. — 6. What settle- 
ment was made by the French in the south-west ? When was New Orleans laid out ? 
What rank does this city now hold ? — 1. What led to the destruction of the French fort 
near Natchez ? How did the people of New Orleans avenge this massacre ? — 8. Which of 
the colonies was settled last ? When and by whom was Georgia settled ? What city was 
first founded ?— 9. How did Oglethorpe treat the Indians ? Give an account of their visit to 
him. — 10. State, in order, by whom and when each of the Thirteen Colonies was founded. 



LESSOR XXIII. 

WASHINGTON'S EXPEDITION. 



1. As years rolled on, both Frencli and English increased rapid- 
ly in America. 'No boundary line had been agreed upon between 
the two nations. Each was jealons of the other. The French 
claimed the rich valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, on the ground 
of having first explored them. They sent out agents to make friends 
of the Indians, and broke up an English post on the frontier, carry- 
ing off the traders to Canada. 

2. The Indians who lived near the Ohio became alarmed at 
these movements. They sent one of their warriors to the French, 
to say that the Great Spirit had given these lands to them. But 
the French commander replied, " It is my land, and I will have it." 
The Indians then made a treaty with the English ; and the governor 
of Yirginia determined to send a messenger to the French, to 
forbid their trespassing on territory w^hich he said belonged to 
England. 

3. The person selected for this mission was George Washington, 
— the great Washington, " the father of his country ", — then a youth 
of twenty-one. Washington was born in a Yirginia farm-house 



'76 STORIES OF WASHINGTON. [1T53 

near the Potomac River. He was brouglit up by a good motlier, 
who taught him to love what was true and noble. 

4. Once, when a new hatchet had been given him, he went 
around trying its edge in the garden, and thus ruined a favorite 
cherry-tree of his father's. When his father asked who had done 
the mischief, the little George was tempted to deny the act. He 
hesitated for a moment, but then cried, " Father, I can not tell a 
lie ; I cut the tree." " Come to my heart, my boy," answered 
George's father, folding him in his arms; "I had rather lose a 
thousand trees than find falsehood in my son." 

5. George was an excellent horseman. His mother had two fa- 
vorite horses, one of which was not used to the saddle. As this 
horse was feeding on the lawn one day, some young men proposed 
to mount it. They tried in vain, however ; it set them all at defi- 
ance. George, who was one of the youngest present, then made 
the attempt. In spite of its plunging and kicking, he succeeded in 
getting on its back, and kept his seat there, till, after a furious race, 
the animal fell exhausted. 

6. At school George was the leader of all the boys in both play 
and study. He became a good surveyor, and soon after leaving 
school was employed to survey a large tract of wild land on the 
Potomac. He camped out in the woods, shot his own game, cooked 
it for himself, used a chip for his dish, and his fingers for forks. 
He soon became known for his courage and fidelity, and this led 
the governor of Virginia to choose him for his messenger to the 
French. 

7. Tlie French fort lay in the north-west of Pennsylvania. The 
route thither ran through forests and swamps, and over rivers swol- 
len by rain and snow. It was with great difiiculty Washington 
reached it. He delivered his messao^e without effect. The French 



n53] 



WASHINGTON'S EXPEDITION. 



11 



commander pointed to his boats, all ready for starting, and told liim 
that in the sj)ring he intended sailing down the Ohio, and destroy- 
ing every English post he met with. 

8. Several friendly Indians had accompanied "Washington, and 
these the French tried to entice from him with rnm and presents. 
Washington could hardly get them away. At last, finding he could 
do nothing, he set out on his return, having first learned all he 
could about the plans of the French. His journey home was full 
of dangers. It was extremely cold. The horses were disabled, and 
he had to go on foot through the snow. A treacherous Indian 
guide fired at his head at the distance of a few feet, but missed his 
aim. 

9. At length, with a single companion, he came to a deej) river, 
full of drifting ice. Having made a raft, they got on board, and 




tried to push it across with poles. It soon became jammed between 



WASHINGTON'S RETURN. [1T54 



cakes of ice. Wasliington, wliile trying to steady the raft with his 
pole, was jerked into the water, and narrowly escaped drowning. 
In the engraving you see him struggling amid the ice. 

10. Through all the dangers of the way, Washington was pre- 
served by a Higher Power. He made his report to the governor 
of Virginia, and was praised by all for the gallantry with which he 
had discharged his duty. A long war between the French and 
English followed, which is known as the French and Indian War. 

Questions. — 1. What difficulty again arose between the French and the English? 
What was the ground of the French claim? What steps were taken by the French? — 2. 
What passed between the Indians living near the Ohio and the French ? AVith whom 
did the Indians then make a treaty? What was done by the governor of Virginia? — 
3. Who was selected for this mission ? How old was Washington then ? Where was 
he born? By whom was he brought up? — 4. What story is told, showing Washington's 
love of truth in boyhood ? — 5. Relate the story about George's skill in horsemanship, — 
6. What position did George take in school? How was he employed after leaving 
school? What led the governor of Virginia to choose him for his messenger? — 7. 
Where did the French fort lie ? What is said of the route thither ? What effect did 
Washington's message produce ? — 8. By whom had Washington been accompanied ? 
What did the French try to do with these Indians ? At last, what was Washington 
obliged to do? What is said of the journey home? — 9. Give an account of Washing- 
ton's narrow escape amid the drifting ice. — 10. On making his report, for what was 
Washington commended ? What war followed ? 



LESSON XXIY. 

FEEXCH AXD INDIAN WAE.-BRADDOCK^S DEFEAT. 

1. By Washington's advice, the English commenced a fort 
where Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, now stands. Before its comple- 
tion it was captured by the French, who finished it and called it 
Fort Du Quesne [did'anel. 

2. A force commanded by Washington had been sent out to 



1T54] BRADDOCK'S EXPEDITION. 79 

garrison this post. Though too late to save it, they surprised a 
body of French by a night attack, and completely defeated them. 
Washinirton was soon after surrounded in a stockade which he had 
constructed, by a large force of French and Lidians. He had to 
surrender, but was allowed to retain his stores, and march out with 
the honors of war. 

3. In 1755, General Braddock came over from Great Britain 
with a powerful army, to attack the French. He advanced against 
Fort Du Quesne, moving but slowly, in consequence of having to 
make his own road through the wilderness. Washington joined his 
army, and warned the general to be on his guard against Indian 
ambuscades. But Braddock paid no attention to his warnings. The 
savages, he said, could do no harm to British troops. 

4. When Braddock's army was within a few miles of Fort Du 
Quesne, a deadly fire was suddenly poured in upon them ; and In- 
dian yells rent the air in front and on each side. The savages were 
concealed behind trees and rocks, and the British were cut down 
without a chance of returning their fire. The van was seized with 
a panic, and fell back on the main body. The Virginia Kangers, 
who were used to Indian warfare, stood their ground bravely for a 
time ; but the rest were thrown into confusion, left their baggage, 
and fled from the field. 

5. Braddock was mortally wounded w^hile trying to rally his 
men. The chief command then fell to "Washington. He threw 
himself into the thickest of the fight. Two horses were shot under 
him. Four balls passed through his coat. The Indians aimed at 
him again and again ; still he escaped uninjured. But in vain he 
strove to turn tlie fortunes of the day. 

6. The British fled many miles, destroying their artillery and 
stores. The fine army of Braddock was broken up, and that by a 



80 MONTCALM'S VICTORIES. [1T55 

mucli smaller force of Frencli and Indians. Tlie French com- 
mander liad at iirst tliouglit of abandoning tlie fort. One of his 
officers persuaded him to stay and meet the enemy ; and, with the 
aid of his Indian allies, he was, as we have seen, completely suc- 
cessful. 

7. The English colonists had expected much from Braddock, 
and were greatly disappointed at his defeat. In the north, however, 
they had better success. 'Near Lake George, in the state of ISTew 
York, they defeated a large army of French and Indians, who were 
making a descent on one of their forts. They also conquered a 
large tract lying east of Maine, now called ISTew Brunswick. 

8. In 1756, the French sent over a distinguished general named 
Montcalm, to command their forces in America. Taking advantage 
of the inactivity of the English general, Montcalm ca2:)tured a num- 
ber of places. In 1757, marching down from Canada into the state 
of New York with a large force of French and Indians, he laid siege 
to Fort William Henry, on the southern shore of Lake George. 
This post was bravely defended by its commander, who hoped for 
relief from a British army under General Webb, at another fort, 
only fourteen miles off. 

9. But Webb was afraid to meet Montcalm, and let the garrison 
of Fort William Henry take care of itself. Still the officer in com- 
mand gallantly held out. It was not till half his cannon burst, and 
his anmmnition gave out, that he agreed to surrender. Honorable 
terms were granted. The troops were to be allowed to join their 
comrades at the other fort. 

10. No sooner, however, had they commenced marching out of 
Fort William Henry, than the savages in Montcalm's army began 
to rob and murder them. A general massacre ensued. In spite of 
the efforts of the French officers, only a part of the British army 

1 



1T5T] FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 81 

escaped. Up to this time the French had been generally success- 
ful. They now possessed twenty times as much territory in Amer- 
ica as the English. 

Questions. — 1. Where did Washington advise the erection of a fort? What became 
of this fort? What did the French call it? — 2. What victory was soon after achieved 
by Washington? What then befell him? — 3. Who came over in 1755 ? What post did 
Braddock proceed to attack ? Who joined his army ? What advice did Washington 
give Braddock ? What reply did Braddock make ? — 4. Give an account of the surprise 
of Braddock's army. How did the Virginia Rangers behave? What is said of the rest 
of the army? — 5. What befell Braddock ? Who then took thecommajid? What dan- 
gers did Washington escape ? — 6. What became of Braddock's fine army ? What had 
the French commander at first intended ? What made him change his mind ? — 7. What 
success did the Enghsh colonists have in the north ? What large tract did they conquer ? 
— 8. In 1756, what French general came over? What did Montcalm do in 1757? On 
whom did the commander of Fort William Henry rely for aid ? — 9. Why did not Webb go 
to relieve the fort ? How long did he hold out ? On what terms did he surrender ? — 10. 
Give an account of the massacre that followed the surrender. Up to this time, which 
party had generally been successful? How did the French territory in America now 
compare with the English ? 



LESSOI^ XXY. 

CLOSE OF THE FEENCH AND INDIAN WAE. 

1. The English losses had been caused by the inefficiency of 
their generals. In 1758, therefore, they selected better leaders. 
Several expeditions were planned. One of these resulted in the cap- 
ture of Louisburg, a strong French post on an island north-east of 
]N"ova Scotia. The French commander held out till his ships were 
taken, his cannon destroyed, and his works battered down. 'Nor 
would he have surrendered then, had it not been for the prayers of 
the inhabitants. 

2. Montcalm, the gallant French general, was at Ticonderoga. 



82 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



[1T58 



Here he was attacked by a superior force of English, but he drove 
them back with loss. An English expedition directed against Fort 
Du Quesne was more successful. One division of the army, sent 
out to reconnoitre, was defeated ; but, when Washington and his 
brave Yirginians approached the fort, the French commander blew 
up the magazine, set fire to the works, and retreated with his men 
in boats. 

3. Washington raised his country's flag over the ruins. A new 

block-house, represented in 
_.s^B^^^ the cut, was erected. The 

place was called Pittsburg, 
after Pitt, an eminent Eng- 
lish statesman. Returning 
soon after to Virginia, Wash- 
ington was received with 
great honor. The district in 
which he lived had elected 
him to the House of Bur- 
gesses, as the legislature of 
the colony was called. When 
he took his seat in that body, 
the Speaker rose and thanked 
him in the name of his coun- 
Washington rose to reply — 




try for his distinguished services. 

blushed — stammered — trembled — but could not say a word. " Sit 

down, Mr. Washington," said the Speaker ; " your modesty equals 

your courage, and that surpasses the power of any language I 

possess." 

4. The strongest place now in possession of the French was 
Quebec. This had been founded about the same time as James- 



1759] WOLFE'S ATTACK ON QUEBEC. 83 

town. The fort stood on an almost perpendicular bluff, two hun- 
dred feet high. It was strongly built, and defended by a large 
army under Montcalm. This post the English determined to take. 
The heroic Wolfe, with eight thousand men, was sent against it. 
They arrived in the summer of 1759. 

5. For several months Wolfe lay before Quebec. He made va- 
rious attempts, but was bafEed in all by the strength of the place. 
He could see but one chance of success, and that, slight as it was, 
he resolved to try. While sailing up the river, he had espied, a 
short distance above the fort, a steep rough path running up the 
face of the cliff amid rocks and bushes. This led, he was told, to 
the Plains of Abraham, which extended to the upper town. His 
plan was to land in the night, lead his men up the narrow path, 
surprise the French guard on the top, and then advance upon the 
fort. 

6. This plan was carried out. In the engraving on the next 
page, you see Wolfe's men climbing up the eliff. Supporting them- 
selves by roots and bushes, they reached the top, and put to flight 
the French guard which had fired on them as they approached the 
summit. By dawn the whole English army was on the heights. 
Montcalm was thunderstruck when he received these tidings. His 
men were at once in motion. A bloody battle took place. The 
English were successful. Wolfe fell at the moment of victory, 
thanking God for his success, and declaring that he died happy. 

7. Montcalm, also, was mortally wounded, while trying to rally 
his men. He had done all he could to save the day, but in vain. 
The French fled into the town, and three days afterwards Quebec 
surrendered to the English. The next year Montreal was taken, 
and with it all Canada fell into the hands of the English. It has 
ever since remained in their possession. 



S-t 



CLOSE OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



[ITSO 



8. Tims ended the French and Indian 'War. It lasted over six 
years, and cost the lives of thousands of brave men. ^''olfe and 




"Wolfe's Army ascending 
to the Plains of Ahraluim. — Tho fort, or cit- 
adel, of Qiioboc is on the top of the bluff 
t^te riuht of the onjrravini;. At its base, is 
what is callofi the Lower Town. The Kay in 
which the boats landed, is known as Wolfe's Cove, 



Moiitcahn, the two gallant generals, were nmch lamented. Tlie 
English have since raised a memiment, bearing the name of each, 
on the spot where the battle was fought. Tliough England spent a 
great deal of money in this struggle, she in return vastly increased 
her possessions in the new world. 



1G87] TROUBLES WITH THE GOVERNORS. 85 

Questions. — 1. By what had the English losses been caused ? What did they there- 
fore do ? What French post was captured ? How long did the commander hold out ? — 
2. What other post was attacked ? With what result ? Give an account of the English 
attack on Fort Du Quesne. — 3. What was erected on the site of Fort Du Quesne ? To 
what was the name changed ? How was Washington received, on his return to Vir- 
ginia? What passed in the House of Burgesses? — 4. What was the strongest place now 
in possession of the French ? How was Quebec situated ? By whom was it defended ? 
Who was sent against it? When? — 5. How did Wolfe spend several months? What 
desperate plan did he at last form ? — 6. Give an account of the ascent. What did Mont- 
calm do, on hearing the news ? What was the result of the battle ? What was Wolfe's 
fate ? — 7. What happened to Montcalm ? Three days after the battle, what took place ? 
What fell into the hands of the English, the next year ? — 8. How long did the French 
and Indian War last ? How have the English honored the memory of Wolfe and Mont- 
calm ? What did England lose, and what did she gain, in this struggle ? 



LESSOR XXYI. • 

TEOUBLES WITH THE GOYEENOES. 



1. Peace now prevailed, and the colonies would have flourished 
if they had been left to themselves. But the King and Parliament 
of England wanted to control them and interfere with their affairs. 
Many of the governors, for years back, had been men who cared 
little for the colonies. Their chief aim was to enrich themselves, 
and deprive the people of their rights. 

2. But the hardy settlers of America were not disposed to sub- 
mit. On one occasion, Andros, who had been made governor of 
all Kew England, went to Connecticut, and told the people they 
must give up their charter. This was a paper setting forth their 
rights. It had been granted to them by a previous King ; but the 
tyrannical James II. had revoked it, and sent Andros to take it 
away. Tlie people were opposed to its surrender, and crowded into 
the hall where the Assembly were discussing the question. 



86 STORY OF GOVERNOR FLETCHER. [1687 

3. The charter lay oj^en on a table. On a sudden the candles 
were i)nt out, and when tlicy were relighted the charter could not 
1)0 found. A patriot had made oft' with it, and hidden it in the hol- 
low of a large oak, called from this " the charter oak ". Two years 
afterwards, the peo])le heard that King James had been driven from 
his throne in England, on account of his tyranny. On this they 
seized Andros, sent him over to England, and drew the much-prized 
charter, uninjured, out of its hiding-place. 

4. A few years after this, the King gave Governor Fletcher au- 
thority to command the militia of Connecticut ; and lie ordered 
then) to turn out at Hartford on a certain day, for review. The 
l)eo})le preferred having their own ofticers comnuind them. When 
Fletcher arrived, he found a large body of men assembled, with 
their captain, named Wadsworth, at their head. " Eead the King's 
order, by which I am to connnand the Connecticut militia," said 
Fletcher to his secretary. Just then "Wadsworth gave a signal, and 
the drummers connnenced beating their drums so loudly that the 
secretary could not be heard. 

5. " Silence ! " roared Fletcher, and beckoned to his secretary 
to go on. Before he could do so, the drums commenced again, 
drowning every other sound. " Silence ! " again cried Fletcher, al- 
most bursting with rage. The drummers stopped ; but Wadsworth, 
stepping up fiercely with his drawn sword, bade them go on. " If 
you interrupt them again," said he to Fletcher, " I will make day- 
light shine through you." When Fletcher heard this, he concluded 
to leave the Connecticut militia to their own ofticers. 

0. The French and Indian War aftorded a new pretext for 
wringing money out of America. The King and Parliament took 
the ground that, as the war had been in defence of the colonies, the 
colonies should pay for it. So they laid duties on various articles 



1760] PASSAGE OF THE STAMP ACT. 87 

imported into America. Tlie colonies were willing to bear the ex- 
pense of the war. But they claimed that Parliament had no right 
to tax them, because they were not represented by any delegates in 
that body. Taxation without representation they w^ould not submit 
to. 

7. In 17G0, Parliament took new measures for collecting the 
odious duty. The colonies were at once thrown into great excite- 
ment. Meetings were held, and the people protested against Par- 
liament's assuming such despotic powers. The excitement was in- 
creased in 1765, by Parliament's passing the famous Stamp Act. 
By this act, all newspapers and almanacs, all bonds, notes, con- 
tracts, &c., were required to bear stamps, which w^ere to be bought 
from the government at prices ranging from one cent to nearly 
thirty dollars. This tax the colonies determined to resist, if neces- 
sary, by force of arms. 

Questions. — 1, What now prevented the colonies from flourishing? What was the 
character of many of the governors? — 2. How did the colonists feel towards their oppress- 
ive governors ? What difficulty arose with Governor Andros ? — 3. How was the charter 
saved? What afterwards happened to Andros? — 4, 5. What difficulty arose with Gov- 
ernor Fletcher? Tell what passed between him and Captain Wadsworth. — 6. What 
afforded a new pretext for wringing money out of America ? What did the King and 
Parliament claim ? What ground was taken by the colonics? — Y. What did Parhament 
do in 1760? What was the effect of this in the colonies? What increased the excite- 
ment? What was required by the Stamp Act ? How did the colonists feel respecting 
this tax ? 



LESSOR XXYII. 

CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. 



1. When the news that the Stamp Act had passed reached Vir- 
ginia, tlie House of Burgesses was in session. Among the members 



88 CAUSES OF THE KEYOLUTION". [ITGS 

was a young lawyer of burning eloquence and fearless spirit, named 
Patrick Henry. Indignant at this outrage on his country's rights, 
he poured forth an impassioned speech, which carried all before it. 
So boldly did he express himself, that the cry of " Treason ! Ti*ea- 
son ! " was raised in different parts of the house, by members who 
favored the royal cause. But nothing could withstand the torrent 
of Patrick Henry's eloquence. It awakened a spirit of resistance 
in every noble bi-east. 

2. The people did not confine themselves to words. Tliey burned 
images of those who were appointed to sell the stamps. When ves- 
sels with stamps arrived, they tolled the bells, and walked the streets 
dressed in mourning. Tliey destroyed whole boxes of stamps, and 
threatened all who should distribute or use them. So Parliament 
had to repeal this act. But it still claimed the right of taxation, 
and laid a duty on all tea, glass, paper, and painter's colors, im- 
ported into the colonies. 

3. Tlie colonists were still dissatisfied ; and, when they heard 
that English soldiers had been ordered to Boston, to make them 
submit, they were more angry than ever. Tlie soldiers, on their 
arrival, treated the people insolently, while their ojfficers screened 
them from punishment. Tliey soon had a collision with the citizens 
of Boston, in which three of the latter were killed. This was called 
" the Boston Massacre ". 

4:. Parliament at last saw fit to take off the duties from every 
article but tea. Tlie colonists then determined not to use any tea. 
When ships containing this article came over, they would not let 
them land, but sent them back to England. At Boston, three ships 
full of tea having arrived, the governor insisted that they should 
not go back, but that their cargoes should be landed. So, after 
dark one night, a party of men disguised as Indians went on board 



1773] 



TEA KIOT AT BOSTON. 



89 



of the sliips, and threw the tea overboard into the harbor. Tliis 
was done amid the cheers of a irreat crowd assembled on the wharf. 




1 iirowing over the Tea in Boston Harbor. 

5. On their return, they passed a house where the British Ad- 
miral was spending the evening. Putting his head out of the win- 
dow, he cried, " Well, boys; you've had a fine night for your Indian 
caper ; but mind, you've got to pay the fiddler." " Oh ! never 
mind," said one of the crowd ; "just you come out here, and we'll 
settle the bill in two minutes." But the Admiral declined the in- 
vitation. 

6. General Gage was now governor of Massachusetts. Instead 
of making friends of the people, he let his soldiers provoke them 



90 



CAUSES OF TUE EEVOLUTIOX. 



[ms 



more and more. Even tlie boys did not escape. The red-coats in- 
terfered with their sports, broke through their skating-ponds, and, 
when they comphiined, called them young rebels. At last they as- 
sembled in a body and went to General Gage. They boldly told 



)\.^,JKv'V'H^l 




him how his soldiers had ill-treated them, and that they would bear 
it no longer. The general could not help admiring them. "• Go, 
my brave boys," he replied, " and be assured that if my troops 
trouble you again they shall be punished." 

7. Parliament persisted in its claims ; the colonies denied them. 
Neither would yield. In vain General Gage tried to bribe the lead- 
ing patriots. The King had not money enough to buy them. Del- 
egates from the dilferent colonies met at Philadelphia in ITTtt, to 
agree upon measures of resistance. Bodies of militia were formed. 
Officers were appointed. " Minute-men," as thev were called, 



mS] COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTION. 91 

agreed to slioulder their muskets at a moment's notice. Patrick 
Heniy again raised his voice in Virginia. His thrilling words, 
" Give me liberty or give me death^'' were reechoed far and wide 
throughout the colonies. 

Questions. — 1. What took place in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, when the 
passage of the Stamp Act was announced ? What was the eft'ect of Patrick Henry's elo- 
quence? — 2. What acts followed on the part of the colonists? What was rarliament 
obliged to do ? On what did it lay a duty ? — 3. What increased the dissatisfaction of the 
colonists ? How did the soldiers behave on their arrival? What is meant by *' the Bos- 
ton massacre" ? — 4. What concessions did Parliament finally make ? Was this suflicient ? 
What resolution did the colonists form? Give an account of the riot at Boston, — 5. 
What passed between the tea rioters and the British Admiral? — 6. Who was now govern- 
or of Massachusetts ? What course did he pursue ? How were the Boston boys 
troubled? Give an account of their interview with General Gage. — 7. What did General 
Gage try to do ? With what success ? What meeting was held in 1774 ? What mea- 
sures were adopted ? What famous words of Patrick Henry's were reechoed throughout 
the colouies ? 



LESSOX XXYIII. 

COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTION. 

1. In 1775, the war, long foreseen, broke out. It is known as 
the Kevolutionaiy War. Early in that year, the British Parliament 
declared that Massachusetts was in rebellion, and sent out more 
troops. General Gage had already fortified Boston Neck, which con- 
nects the city with the main land. The patriots had some trouble 
in getting their ammunition out of Boston. They hid their cannon 
in loads of manure!, and their powder and cartridges in market-baskets 
and candle-boxes. Thus they passed the sentinels unsuspected. 

2. The patriots collected most of their stores at Concord, a few 
miles from Boston. Ilearhig of this. General Gage one night sent 
a force of eight hundred men to destroy them. It was done very 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTOX. 



[in5 



secretly ; yet the patriots found out what was going on. Tlie Brit- 
ish, as they advanced towards Concord, heard bells ringing and 
guns firing in the surrounding country. These were signals for the 
minute-men to assemble. 

3. A little more than half way between Boston and Concord 
was the village of Lexington. Here the British arrived shortly 
after daylight. They found a body of minute-men on the green. 
" Disperse, ye rebels ! " said the British leader, riding up to them 
and discharging his pistol. His men then fired. Several of the 
Americans fell. The rest gave way. This was the first blood shed 
in the Revolution. 

4. The British went on to Concord. Here some of them held the 



e^¥t^^~ 



\ -x^ 




bridge, while the rest went to destroy the stores. Meanwhile some 



nT5] EETREAT OF THE BRITISH. 93 

American militia-mcn came up, and a skirmish took place at tlie 
bridge, which you see represented in the engraying. Seyeral fell 
on both sides ; and, as soon as their companions came back, the 
British were glad to commence their homeward march. They had 
destroyed two cannon, had thrown a great number of cannon-balls 
into the riyer and wells, and had broken to pieces about sixty bar- 
rels of flour. Most of the stores had been carried off to a place of 
safety before they arriyed. 

5. A large quantity of flour was sayed by a miller named Wheel- 
er. It was stored in his barn, along with some of his own. When 
the soldiers came to search the place, Wheeler told them that he 
was a miller, and made his liying by grinding grain. Tlien putting 
his hand on a barrel which belonged to himself, he said : " Tliis ift 
my flour ; surely you will not destroy priyate property." The sol- 
diers thought from what he said that it was all his, and went away 
without doing any injury. 

6. The British suftered sorely on their return. The alarm had 
spread, and the braye men of the surrounding country came" up 
from all sides. Posting themselyes behind barns and houses, trees 
and fences, they poured in a deadly fire on the retreating British. 
In yain the latter tried to return it. All the way to Boston, they 
were thus harassed. Tlieir ranks kept thinning, and they were 
ready to sink with fatigue. They would neyer liaye reached the 
city, had not fresh troops been sent to their aid. 

7. Tlie news of the battle of Lexington was the signal for a gen- 
eral rising. Tlie farmer left his plough, and the mechanic his work- 
shop. Eyen old men and boys hastened to arm themselyes. Tlie 
wife girded the sword about her husband. Tlie mother blessed her 
son, and bade him go strike a blow for his country. There was 
many a scene like that which you see in the engraving. 



Mi 



HMINU TO TIIW WAI1. 



|lin 



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lollhM'fi \\i\\\p\^ MM liMi\ lii^ 1Im» vIIIm^is III' iMiiiio JMilli hihI milil^i " <<in| 
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nT5] THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS. 96 

Questions. — 1. When did the war break out? What was it called ? What was done 
by the British Parliament in 1116 ? What had General Gage already done ? How did 
the patriots get their cannon and ammunition out of Boston ? — 2. Where did the 
patriots collect most of their stores? What movement was made by General Gage? 
What did the British hear, as they advanced towards Concord ? — 3. What place did the 
British reach soon after daylight? What took place at Lexington ? — 4. Where did the 
British then go ? Give an account of the skirmish at Concord Bridge. What did the 
British destroy ? What had been done with most of the stories ? — 5. How did Mr. 
Wheeler save a large quantity of flour? — 6. Describe the retreat of the British to Boston. 
What alone enabled them to reach the city ? — 1. What effect did the news of the battle 
of Lexington produce ? Describe the scene represented in the engraving. — 8. What story 
is told of a mother and her two sous ? — 9. Relate the incident at Barnstable. 



LESSON XXIX. 

CAPTURE OP TICONDEEOGA.-ETIIAN ALLEN. 

1. Tlic spirit of resistance was not confined to New England. 
In Virginia, tlie governor tliouglit it prudent to take refuge on a 
British vessel. The governors of North and South Carolina were 
also ohliged to flee. Just a month after the battle of Lexington, a 
meeting was held at Charlotte, North Carolina. The people there 
went so far as to declare themselves independent of the King, and 
said they would maintain their freedom with their lives. This was 
the first Declaration of Independence. 

2. Ticonderoga, an important fort on Lake Champlain, was gar- 
risoned by British soldiers. Ethan Allen and his brave Green 
Mountain Boys resolved to capture this post. Tlie Green Moun- 
tains are in Vermont ; and the hardy pioneers of this region called 
themselves Green Mountain Boys. They assembled on the shore 
of the lake, opposite Ticonderoga, without the garrison's suspecting 
that any foe was near. 

3. One of the party went to tlie fort, pretending to be an awk- 



96 CAPTURE OF TICOXDEROGA. [1775 

ward country bov, who wanted to be shaved. After learnino^ all 
he could about the place, he returned to his companions. In the 
night they commenced crossing, but there were not boats enough to 
carry all the men over. As daylight approached, Allen, not daring 
to wait for any more, led his men up to the fort. As he drew near, 
a sentinel snapped his gun at the party ; but it missed lire. He 
then ran into the fort to raise an alarm, closely followed by the 
Americans. 

4. The frightened soldiers leaped from their beds, but it was 
only to find themselves prisoners. The commanding officer rushed 
to the door of his quarters in his night-clothes, followed by his wife. 
Allen, pointing to his men, bade him surrender. '* By what au- 
thority,'- he asked, '' do you command it ? " "In the name of the 
great Jehovah and the Continental Congress,'' was Allen's reply. 
There was no help for it. The fort was surrendered, with its stores, 
powder, and camion — all of which were much needed by the patriots. 

5. Ethan Allen soon after planned an invasion of Canada. Try- 
ing to take Montreal, he was himself taken by the British. Tliey 
put him in irons, and sent him over to England. Here he was in 
danger of being hanged as a rebel. It was more than two years be- 
fore he was released. Sent from place to place as a prisoner, he 
was half starved, and treated with insult and cruelty. 

6. On one British ship he was treated with kindness, and well 
did he repay it. Tliere were a number of American prisoners on 
board, and some of them formed a plan to kill the captain and seize 
on the ship and a large sum of money which it contained. Having 
won over a number of the crew, they tried to get Allen to join 
them. But he indignantly refused, and told them he would peril 
his life in defence of the captain who had treated them all so well. 
Owing to his threats and persuasions, they gave up the plan. 



11T51 ETHAN ALLEN. 9Y 

7. Ethan Allen was as honest as he was bravo. lie once gave 
his note for one luindred and fifty dollars to a person whom he 
owed. "When it became due, he eould not pay it. ITe was sned, 
and eiu]>loved a lawyer to get tlie matter pnt oil* till he eonld raise 
the money, lie was utterly surprised wlieu his lawyer rose in 
eourt and denied the signature of the note. Ivushino- up to him, 
he eried : '^ Sir, I didn't hire you to eome here and lie. That's a 
true note. I signed it, and I'll ]n\y it. I want no shutlling. All I 
want is time." He obtained the time he wanted, and the note was 
paid. 

S. Tlie very day on which Ethan Allen took Ticonderoga (May 
10th, 1T75\ the Continental Congress met the second time at Phil- 
adelphia. They prepared for war in earnest. A large amount of 
paper money was issued. George AVashington, of whom we heard 
before in the French and Indian War, was elected connnander-in- 
chief. lie hastened to Cambridge, near Boston, to take command 
of the patriots there assembled. Before lie arrived, however, a 
large number of fresh troops from England had reached Boston, 
and an important battle had been fought. 

QuKSTioNs. — 1. Whore, besides in Xew England, was the spirit of resistance shown? 
What took plu-e in Charlotte, North Carolina? — *2. Where was Ticonderoga sitnated? 
Who resolved to captnre it ? Why were Ethan Allen's party called Green Monntain 
I)oys ? Wliero did they assemble ? — S. IIow did they obtain information abont the fort ? 
Ciive an accomu of the crossing. What took place as they approached the 'fort? — i. 
What did the soldiei-s find, when they leaped from their beds ? What passed between 
Allen and the commander? What was the result? — 5. What did Ethan Allen soon after 
plan? What success did he meet with? What did the British do with him? IIow was 
he treated ?— 0. Tell how he once repaid the kindness of a British captain. — 7. Relate an 
anecdote showing Allen's honesty. — S. What took place the same day on which Ticon- 
deroga was captured? What preparations were made by Congress? Who was elected 
commander-in-chief? To what place did Washington hasten? What took place before 
Washington reached Cambridge ? 
7 



98 BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. [1775 



LESSOR XXX. 

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

1. In June, 1775, (before "Wasliiiigton had taken the chief com- 
mand) ten thousand British troops lay in Boston. ^Nearly twice 
as many Americans had gathered around the city. But they were 
poorly armed, and many of them had never been in battle. Hear- 
ing that the British intended fortifying Bunker Hill, the American 
general determined to be beforehand with him. Accordingly, that 
same evening, he sent Colonel Prescott, with one thousand men, to 
take possession of Bunker Hill, and throw up a breastwork of earth 
for its defence. 

2. The men worked silently with their pick-axes and spades all 
night. They heard the British sentinels at Boston cry " All's 
well ! " But the British did not hear them, and the next morning 
were amazed to see a strong intrenchment commanding the city. 
A battle was resolved on. The flower of the British army was sent 
to dislodge the Americans, and the British ships in the harbor 
opened a fire on the hill. The roofs and steeples of Boston and the 
country around were filled with anxious spectators. 

3. Twice the British troops charged up the hill. Tlie Americans 
had been ordered to wait till they saw the whites of the enemies' 
eyes, and then to fire low and not waste their powder. Tliey obey- 
ed the order, and twice the British veterans recoiled before them. 
Fresh troops w^ere then brought up, and a third attack was made. 
Unfortunately, the powder of the Americans now gave out. They 
received the British with stones and clubbed muskets. But it was 
useless to resist, and a retreat was ordered. 

4. As they were leaving the works, General "VVarren, a distin- 



it 75] 



FALL OF WARREN. 



99 



guislied patriot, fell mortally wounded. Prescott had oftered him 
the command in the morning. He declined it, saying he had come 
to learn, and served in the ranks as a private. The British general 
rejoiced at his fall, saying it was worth that of live hundred ordi- 
nary soldiers. 

5. Though driven from their ground, the Americans had greatly 
the advantage at 
Bunker Hill. They 
lost less than half as 
many men as the 
British, and, if their 
ammunition had last- 
ed, would doubtless 
have remained mas- 
ters of the field. A 
splendid monument 
has since been raised 
near the spot where 
AYarren fell, to com- 
memorate this bat- 
tle. 

6. Among those 
who did good ser- 
vice at Bunker Hill 
was Gen. Putnam. 
He was ploughing 
when he heard of 
the battle of Lexing- 
ton. Leaving his 

plough in the field, Bunker mu Monument. 




100 STORIES OF PUTNAM. [HTS 

without even waiting to change his clothes, he mounted his horse 
and galloped off for Cambridge. He had served in the French and 
Indian "War, and was nearly sixty years old ; but he was strong and 
brave as ever. 

T. Putnam's farm was in Connecticut. Here, when a young 
rrian, he was much troubled by a cunning wolf that prowled about 
the country, destroying what she could, and always escaping the 
hunters. In one night she killed seventy of his sheep and goats. 
Putnam and several of his neighbors resolved to hunt her to the 
death. They tracked her to her den, which was a deep cavern, and 
tried to drive her out by throwing in burning straw and sulphur ; 
but in vain. The dogs were then sent in. They soon came out 
howling and badly wounded, and refused to return. 

8. At last, Putnam threw off his coat, tied a rope to one of his 
legs, and with a torch in one hand and his loaded gun in the other, 
descended into the den. His companions, who were anxiously listen- 
ing above, soon heard an angry growl and the sharp crack of a mus- 
ket. They drew Putnam up. Again he descended, and this time, 
on being drawn up, he had the dead wolf by the ears. 

9. Many a thrilling scene had " old Put ", as his friends called 
him, passed through. He once, at the risk of his life, and not with- 
out some dreadful burns, saved Fort Edward from being consumed, 
and the magazine from exj)loding. At another time, he was cap- 
tured by a party of Indians, who prepared to torture him. They 
tied him to a tree, piled up fagots around him, and set them on fire. 
A thunder-shower put out the flames. Again they lighted the pile. 
Hope had died in Putnam's bosom, when a French officer burst 
through the bushes, hurled the savages right and left, scattered the 
blazing wood, and released the prisoner. 

10. Shortly before the Kevolution, General Gage, in Putnam's 



1775] IXYASION OF CANADA. 101 

presence, expressed the opinion that 'GlYO thousand British veterans 
could march from one end of America to the other unharmed. '• So 
they might," replied Putnam, " if thej behaved themselves prop- 
erly, and paid for what they wanted. But should they attempt it 
as enemies, the American women would knock them on the head 
with their ladles." 

Questions. — 1. In June, 17*75, how many British troops lay in Boston? How many 
Americans had gathered around the city ? What movement was contemplated by the 
British ? In view of this, what was done by the American general ? — 2. "What was accom- 
pUshed by the Americans during the night ? What did the British see in the morning ? 
What measures were taken by the British ? — 3. Give an account of the battle of Bunker 
Hill. — i. Who was killed, as the Americans were leaving the works ? What had passed 
between Warren and Colonel Prescott? How did the British general feel, when he 
heard of Warren's fall ? — 5. Which party had the advantage in the battle of Bunker Hill ? 
What monument has since been raised ? — 6. Who did good service at Bunker Hill ? How 
was Putnam employed when he heard of the battle of Lexington ? What did he do ? In 
what war had he served? How old was he at this time? — *7, 8. Tell the story of Putnam 
and the wolf. — 9. What did Putnam once do at the risk of his life ? Give an account of 
his rescue from the Indians by a French oflScer. — 10. What anecdote is related of Putnam 
and General Ga.^e ? 



LESSOX XXXI. 

I^'VASION OF CAXADA—SIEGE OF BOSTON. 

1. Ethan Allen had failed to take Montreal. This did not pre- 
vent Congress from carrying on the invasion of Canada. They 
hoped the Canadians would join in the Revolution. Besides, they 
wanted to secure a large amount of stores deposited at Quebec. 
General Montgomery was placed at the head of the invading force. 
Before long, St. John's and Montreal, two important posts, had 
surrendered. Quebec remained. But the American soldiers had 
enlisted for a certain time ; this time was up. Most of them in- 



102 MONTGOMERY'S ATTACK ON QUEBEC. [1715 

sistecl on returning, and Montgomery was left with but a small part 
of his force. 

2. Just at this time, Benedict Arnold was leading a body of 
Americans to join their countrymen in Canada. They were push- 
ing their way through the northern part of Maine, a pathless wil- 
derness, and came near perishing from cold, sickness, and hunger. 
On one occasion, they had eaten their last ox, their last dog, and 
had nothing but roots and their moose-skin moccasins to live on, 
when they were relieved by the arrival of timely supplies. 

3. Joined by this heroic band, Montgomery lost no time in lay- 
ing siege to Quebec. But his few small cannon could make no im- 
pression on its strong walls. At last, it was resolved to storm the 
place. Tlie attack was made by Montgomery and Anold at differ- 
ent points. It was a desperate attempt to make with only nine 
hundred effective men. 

4. In spite of a blinding snow-storm, the Americans advanced 
bravely to the assault. But it was in vain. Montgomery was shot 
down at the head of his men. Arnold was disabled by a bullet in 
the leg. The muskets of many of the Americans were rendered 
useless by the snow. One party were obliged to surrender on the 
spot. The rest continued the siege till they heard that a powerful 
British army was approaching. Then they hastily retreated ; and 
soon all Canada was again in the hands of the British. 

5. The King and Parliament found it was not so easy to con- 
quer " the rebels " as they had expected. So they sent to Germany, 
and hired a number of Hessians, as they were called, to come and 
fight for them. In the mean time. Congress was busy in collecting 
stores and buying powder. Tliey urged Washington to attack the 
British at Boston, with the force collected under his command at 
Cambridge. But ammunition was scarce ; the men, brave as they 



1776] SIEGE OF BOSTON". 10b 

were, needed discipline ; so that Washington did not think it pru- 
dent to take the field till the spring of 1776. 

6. Dorchester Heights command the citj and harbor of Boston. 
Early in March, General "Washington sent a body of men by night 
to throw up intrenchments there. It was hard work, for the ground 
was frozen. The Americans, however, plied their pick-axes dili- 
gently, and by morning had raised a strong breastwork of earth. 
When the British general saw what had been done, he determined 
to dislodge the enemy. But a storm set in, and before it ceased 
the Americans had fortified themselves so strongly that he was 
afraid to make the attempt. 

7. As the cannon on Dorchester Heights swept the whole of 
Boston, the British army had to leave, or evacuate^ the city. They 
sailed away in their ships, to the great joy of the patriots. Those 
who had remained in the city during the siege had sufi*ered much. 
Besides being insulted and maltreated by the soldiers, they could 
hardly get food to eat or wood to keep them warm. After first 
sailing to the north, the British general landed his men on Staten 
Island, with the view of attacking iN'ew York. Washington had 
already reached the city and prepared for its defence. 

Questions. — 1. What did Congress proceed to carry on? What was their object in 
invading Canada ? To whom did they give the command of the expedition ? What 
places surrendered? What place remained? What difficulty did Montgomery now 
meet with ? — 2. Who were at this time making their way to join Montgomery ? Give an 
account of the sufferings of Arnold's party. — 3. When this party arrived, what did Mont- 
gomery do ? What success did he meet with in the siege ? At last, what desperate resolve 
was formed ? — 4. Give an account of the attack on Quebec. What was one party of the 
Americans obliged to do? What was done by the rest? How long did they remain 
before Quebec ? — 5. Whom did the King and Parliament hire to fight for them in America ? 
In the mean time, what was Congress doing ? What did they urge Washington to do ? 
Why was he unwilling to attack the British? When did he take the field? — 6. What 
was Washington's first movement ? What did the British general determine to do ? 



104 



BRITISH ATTACK ON CHARLESTON. 



[1TT6 



What prevented him from making the attempt ?— 7. What were the British then obliged 
to do? How did the patriots feel at this? How had those patriots who had stayed in 
Boston suffered ? Where did the British go ? Who had preceded them ? 



LESSOI mil. 

ATTACK ON CHAELESTON.— DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 




Sergeant Jasper raising the flag at Fort Moultrie. 



1. In June, 1776, the people of South Carolina heard that a 
strong British fleet, with a large army on board, was about to at- 



1*76] SERGEANT JASPER'S GALLANT DEEDS. 105 

tack Charleston. Tliey quickly erected a fort of palraetto-wood and 
earth, and garrisoned it with brave men under Colonel Moultrie. 
They did not have to wait long for the enemy. One British ship 
came up after another, and soon a heavy fire was opened on the 
fort. But it did little harm. Palmetto-wood is soft ; and the balls, 
instead of splitting or tearing it, sank into it without doing any in- 

2. It was not so, however, with the fire from the fort. Tliis did 
fearful execution on the British ships. At one time, the quarter- 
deck of the admiral's vessel was cleared of every man except the 
admiral himself. The troops on board landed, and tried to reach 
the fort, but were driven back. At last, having kej)t up the attack 
for nine hours without any success, the British were obliged to re- 
tire. They suffered much in the action ; the Americans, but little. 

3. In the midst of the battle, a British ball struck the flao^-staff 
of the fort. The flag was carried away, and fell in front of the fort, 
on the beach. Then a brave heart showed its courage. Sergeant 
Jasper, amid the balls that rained from the British vessels, leaj)ed 
over the rampart, ran along the beach, and secured the flag. Then 
fastening it to the sponge-staff" of a cannon, he again raised it over 
the fort amid the cheers of his companions. After the battle. Gov- 
ernor Hutledge presented him his own sword for this gallant deed. 

4. Jasper was afterwards of great service to the American army. 
He acted as a scout, and brought them information about the British. 
He was once scouting with a single companion, when he saw a 
party of ten British soldiers taking some prisoners to Savannah. It 
was said that the prisoners were to be hung, and Jasper determined 
to save them. For some time the two Americans kept on the track 
of the party, without seeing any chance of attempting a rescue. At 
last they drew near Savannah. Two miles from the city was a fa- 



i06 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. [1716 

mous spring, and here the British, with their prisoners, stopped for 
a drink. 

5. Two of the party were left on guard, while the rest laid aside 
their guns and went down to the spring. This was the moment 
Jasper and ]iis companion had waited for. Shooting down the sol- 
diers on duty, and knocking over several others with their clubbed 
muskets, they obtained possession of the loaded guns of the British. 
Tlie latter had to yield to their two brave enemies. The rescued 
Americans were then unbound, and armed with the guns of their 
guard ; and Jasper and his men marched off in triumph with their 
prisoners. 

6. Tlie 4th of July is always kept as a great holiday in the 
United States. Do you know why it is kept ? Because on the 4th 
of July, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a Declaration of 
Independence. Up to this time. they had hoped that the King and 
Parliament would give up their unjust claims. In that case, they 
would have laid down their arms, and remained subjects of Great 
Britain. But now, following the example set by the brave people 
of Charlotte, they said the King should rule over them no more. 
They boldly declared their independence, and pledged their lives 
and fortunes for its support. After this, the thirteen colonies were 
called '' the Thirteen United States of America ". 

7. While Congress was discussing the Declaration, the streets 
of Philadelphia were filled with crowds, anxious to know what it 
would do. When the old bell-ringer pealed the bell of the state- 
house, as a signal that the bill had passed, their joy knew no bounds. 
Bonfires were lighted, and houses illuminated. In New York, the 
people showed their delight by pulling down a great leaden statue 
of the King, and moulding it into bullets to fire against his soldiers. 
In Boston, the Declaration was read at a public meeting, amid the 



1176] 



INDEPENDENCE HALL. 



10. 



cheers of thousands. Here is a picture of Independence Hall, in 
Philadelphia, the building in which Congress met and the Declara- 
tion of Independence was signed. 




Questions.— 1. What did the people of Soulli Carolina bear in June, 1*776 ? What did 
they do, on learning this? What soon appeared? What was the effect of the British 
fire on the fort?— 2. What was the effect of the fire fiom the fort ? What is said of the 
admiral's vessel ? What attempt was made by the troops? IIow long did tlie British 
keep up the attack? What was the result?— 3. What gallant deed was performed by 
Sergeant Jasper in this battle ?— 4, 5. Tell the story about Jasper's rescuing some Anieri- 
can prisoners near Savannah.— 6. Why is the 4th of July kept as a holiday ? What had 
Congress hoped? On the 4th of July, 1776, what did Congress do? After this, what 



lOS BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. [ITTS 

were the thirteen colonies styled ? — T. What took place in Philadelphia, while Congress 
was discussing the Declaration ? How was the news that the Declaration had passed re- 
ceived in New York ? Uow, in Boston ? AVhat is represented iu the engraving ? 



LESSOX XXXIIL 

BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND. 



1. In the summer of 1770, Xew York became the centre of the 
war. General Howe was now the British conmiander. Besides 
the men who had been driven from Boston, he had many fresli 
troops just from Europe. Among the rest were a hu*ge number of 
Hessians. AVith these he advanced on Xew York by way of Long 
Ishind. The Americans had thrown up fortifications at the west 
end of the ishmd, opiH\<ite Xew X'ork, where the city of Brooklyn 
now stands. Xiue thousand men were sent over, to keep the Brit- 
ish in check. 

'2. The British anny advanced in three divisions. One of these, 
making a circuit over the hills, managed to get behind the advanced 
detachments that luul been thrown out by the Americans. While 
the patriots were busily engj\gcd with the enemy in front, they were 
disnuiyed to hear a tiring in their rear. They soon saw that they 
were surrounded. A few foui^ht their way throuo-h the British, 
and reached the American lines. Many fell ; a still greater number 
were made prisonei*s. Howe advanced to within a short distance 
of the fortitications, but, instead of attacking them, waited for his 
fleet to come up. 

3. During the battle, Washington crossed from Xew York. lie 
saw his best troops falling, without the power to hel]-> them. He 
could only hope to save those who remained by a timely retreat. 
On the third niirht after the battle, while Howe was still waitini:: 



mo] HOWE'S attempts at conciliation. loo 



for liis ileot, the Avliolo Aiuoricaii :inny oinbiirluHl in boats, and, 
witli tlicir baggage and stores, were conveyed to New Yoi'k. A 
thick fo^^ conceaknl their movements ; tlie boats Avero rowed with 
muffled oars ; and the British had no idea of what was going on till 
the Americans were beyond their reach. 

4. A woman living near the river saw the Americans embark- 
ing, and sent a negro to inform the British. Fortunately, he fell 
into the hands of the Hessians, wlio could not understand what he 
said. Had it not been for this, the whole army miglit have been 
captured. The battle of Long Ishiiul was most disastrous to the 
American cause. Numbers deserted from the army ; aiul many 
who were before in doubt which side to join, now decided in favor 
of the King. 

5. On first approaching the city, ITowo had sent a letter to 
Washington, for the purpose of conciliating the Americans. Wash- 
ington refused to receive it, because Howe would not acknowledge 
him as commander of the American army. After the battle of 
Long Island, Howe made a second attempt. A committee of Con- 
gress met him. They found he had no tuithority to recognize their 
independence, but could only grant them pardon, aiul receive them 
back as subjects of Great Ih-itain. They wanted no pardon, and 
were determined never to be subjects of Great Britain. iSo nothing 
was cilected. 

G. Some of the people of New York were op])osed to the devo- 
lution. They were called Tories, while those who favored it were 
known as AVhigs. While Washington was in New York, about this 
time, several tories formed a plot to poison him. They bribed one 
of his guard to put some arsenic in a dish of peas ])rej)ared for his 
dinner. Tlie plot was revealed to Washington through a young 
girl who had overheard it. 



ilO ATTEMPT TO POISON WASHINGTON. [1TT6 

7. To discover the guilty party, Washington had a trusty soldier 
disguised as a servant, and sent him into the kitchen to watch the 
peas. He had not been there long, before he saw one of his com- 
rades come anxiously to the door and look in. Presently he enter- 
ed, and hesitating, as if horror-struck at the act, sprinkled a pow- 
der in the pot in -which the peas were cooking. Washington was 
at once informed of this. At dinner, when he had seated himself 
among his officers, he asked them to wait for a moment, and ordered 
in his guard. 

8. Fixing his eyes on the guilty man, he put a spoonful of peas 
on his plate, and asked him, " Shall I eat of these ? " "I don't 
know," stammered the man, turning deadly pale. Washington 
took some on his knife, and again asked, " Shall I eat of these ? " 
The man could not say a word, but raised his hand as if to prevent 
it. A chicken was brought in, and fed with some of the peas ; it 
died on the spot. This proved that they had been poisoned. The 
man was carried fainting from the room, and Washington was 
saved. 

9. This same year, a British sloop-of-war put into the island 
called Martha's Vineyard. It was in want of a spar, and the only 
stick of timber there that would answer the purpose was a liberty- 
tree, erected by the patriots. This tree the captain said he must 
have ; but three brave girls, not yet sixteen years old, said he should 
not have it. The night before it was to be cut down, they went in 
the dark, bored several holes in the tree, and filled them with gun- 
powder. Then, lighting a slow-match, they blew the tree to pieces. 
So his Majesty's sloop-of-war had to go without a spar. 

Questions. — 1. Where did the war centre in 1'7'76? Who was now the British com- 
mander ? What troops had Howe ? In what direction did he advance on New York ? 
What preparations had the Americans made on Long Island ? — 2. Give an account of 



1TT6] WASHINGTON'S RETREAT FROM NEW YORK. Ill 

the battle of Long Island, After the battle, why did not Howe attack the American for- 
tifications? — 3. Who crossed to Long Island during the battle? Tell how Washington 
saved the army. — 4. How did the British come near learning that the Americans were 
embarliing ? What was the effect of the battle of Long Island ? — 5. What had Howe done 
on first approaching New York? How were his advances met? What passed between 
Howe and a committee of Congress after the battle ? — 6. Who were called Tories, and 
who Whigs? What plot was formed by the Tories? How did Washington hear of it? 
— 7. What measures were taken by Washington to discover the guilty party ? — 8. What 
passed at dinner ? — 9. Tell the story about the sloop-of-war that put into Martha's Vineyard. 



LESSOR XXXIV. 

WASHINGTON'S EETPwEAT.-TEENTON.— PEINCETON. 

1. We left Washington in l^ew York. His army was discour- 
age(J by the defeat on Long Island. One-fourth of the men were 
sick. He could not hope to repel the British, who were preparing 
to cross from Long Island and attack the city. The only course left 
him was to retreat, and accordingly he drew off his men to the 
north. Tlie British immediately took possession of the city. They 
retained it till the end of the w^ar. Howe, with most of the army, 
kept on in pursuit of "Washington. 

2. Washington hardly felt strong enough to risk a battle. He 
retreated as the enemy advanced, but so slowly that frequent skir- 
mishes took place. At last a battle was fought at White Plains, 
without any decided advantage to either party. After this, Wash- 
ington took his army across the Hudson River to 'New Jersey, leav- 
ing nearly three thousand of his best men in Fort Washington. 
The British made a spirited attack on this post, and the garrison 
had to surrender. Washington is said to have wept, as from the 
other side of the river he saw his men falling beneath the British 
bayonets. 



112 



WASHINGTON'S RETREAT. 



[me 



3. The loss of Fort Washington and its garrison was the heavi- 
est blow the patriots had yet received. Lord Cornwallis \coTn-woV- 
lis\ immediately set out in pursuit of the American army, now 
much reduced in size. Sadly this little band retreated across 
Kew Jersey. Many of them, ragged and barefooted, left their 
blood-stained tracks on the frozen ground. The British pressed on 
hotly in pursuit. But Washington reached the Delaware River, 
secured all the boats for many miles, and w^ent over into Pennsyl- 
vania with his suffering men. Unable to cross the Delaware, Corn- 
wallis resolved to wait till it should be frozen over. Dividing his 
army, he stationed detachments at Trenton, Princeton, and other 
points. 

4. Washington now saw he must do something to encourage his 
men. He resolved to cross the Delaware and surprise a large body 
of Hessians stationed at Trenton. Christmas night was chosen for 
the attempt, as a time when they would likely be carousing, and 




off their guard. The night was dark and bitterly cold. The Dela- 



IHG] BATTLES OF TREXTON AND PRINCETON. 113 

ware was full of ice. Part of the Americans, however, succeeded 
in getting across. They completelj surprised the Hessians, a thou- 
sand of w^hom at once threw down their arms. 

5. Washington durst not remain at Trenton, for he knew the 
British from the posts around would soon be upon him. So he im- 
mediately recrossed into Pennsylvania with his prisoners. On the 
opposite page you see him and his men toiling through the snow. 
In gaining this glorious victory, he lost only four men, two of whom 
were frozen to death. The British, who had thought the Pevolu- 
tion was almost at an end, now found they were mistaken. 

6. A few days after this victory, "Washington again crossed the 
Delaware to Trenton. Cornwallis, anxious for a battle, soon made 
his appearance. ISTight was near at hand, and, after some skirmish- 
ing, both parties rested on their arms. Washington felt he was no 
match for Cornwallis, and determined to disappoint him. Leaving 
his fires burning, and posting a sentinel here and there, to deceive 
the enemy, he noiselessly withdrew his men in the night, and march- 
ed to Princeton, to surprise the British stationed there. When 
Cornwallis woke the next morning, he could see no enemy. He 
had been outgeneralled. 

7. Washington did not surprise the British at Princeton, for he 
met them already on the march to join Cornwallis. A battle en- 
sued. At first the Americans, having no bayonets, gave way. 
But Washington placed himself before the advancing British, and 
his men rallied to sujDport their beloved chief. The British were 
repulsed. Washington had gained another victory. He led his 
men, exhausted as they w^ere by want of food and sleep, to Morris- 
town, and there fixed his winter-quarters. 

8. Washington's men sufi'ered much at Morristown from cold 
and sickness, during the winter of 1777. The small-pox broke 



114 WINTER-QUARTERS AT MORRISTOWN. [1T77 

out among them, and many died. The people of the place were 
true patriots, and did all they could to relieve the suffering soldiers. 
They gave them the best they had, saying, '' Nothing is too good 
for those who fight for our country." Washington sent out several 
expeditions in the course of the winter, and recovered nearly the 
whole of Jersey. 

0. Cornwallis's army was much larger than "Washington's. It 
was feared if he knew this, he would fall upon Morristown. So the 
Americans had recourse to a stratagem to deceive him. There was 
a man in the camp, whom they suspected of being a British spy. 
A fLxlse statement was made out of the men and ammunition at 
Morristown, representing the Americans as much better off than 
they really were. An officer, as if by chance, left the paper on a 
table by which the suspected spy was sitting, and went out for a 
few moments. On his return, both the paper and the spy were 
missing. They no doubt found their way to Cornwallis, and misled 
him as to the strength of the Americans. 

QcTESTiONS. — 1. What was the slate of the American army in New York after the battle 
of Long Wand ? What was Washington obliged to do? What then became of New 
York? What course did Howe pursue? — 2. Describe Washington's movements. Where 
did a battle take place ? With what result ? What did Washington then do ? What 
took place at Fort Washington? — 3. What followed the fall of Fort Washington? 
Describe the retreat of the American army across New Jersey. How did Washington 
save his men ? What did Cornwallis do, on arriving at the Delaware ? — 4. What was 
the next movement of Washington ? What time was chosen for the attempt, and why ? 
Give an account of the surprise of the Hessians at Trenton. — 5. What was done by Wash- 
ington after the surprise at Trenton ? How many men had he lost ? — 6. A few days 
afterwards, what movement did Washington make? Who soon appeared, to give him 
battle ? Tell how Washington disappointed Cornwallis. — 7. What took place at Prince- 
ton ? Where did Washington fix his winter-quarters? — 8. From what did the Ameri- 
cans sutler at Morristown? llow did the people of the place treat them? What did 
Washington accomplish during the winter ? — 9. Relate the stratagem by which Cornwallis 
was misled as to the strength of the Americans. 



nn] BURGOYNE'S CAMPAIGN. 115 



LESSON xxxy. 

BURGOYNE'S CAMPAIGN. 

1. In 1777, another powerful British army took the field, under 
the command of General Burgoyne. Starting from Canada, Bur- 
goyne invaded the state of New York. On the bank of Lake 
Champlain, he gave a great w^ar-feast to a number of Indians, many 
of whom joined his army. Ticonderoga and Fort Edward were 
taken in succession. The Americans who had garrisoned these 
posts fell back as Burgoyne advanced. To delay his march, bridges 
were broken down, and the roads obstructed. 

2. The northern American army was commanded by General 
Schuyler \8ki'-ler\ One night, when the general was preparing to 
retire to bed in his own house, a servant, passing into the room, 
caught a glimpse of a figure concealed behind the door. Pretend- 
ing not to notice it, she managed to tell her master in an undertone 
what she had seen. An alarm was raised. The party fled, but was 
overtaken by the guard. It was an Indian, who had hidden him- 
self behind the door to murder the general. 

3. Before leaving Canada, Burgoyne had sent a large detach- 
ment to overrun the western part of New York. This force met 
with a brave resistance at Fort Stanwix. The American general, 
Herkimer, advanced with some militia-men to relieve this fort. lie 
fell into an ambuscade, and, early in the action, received a wound 
in the leg. Seated on a hillock, he continued to give his orders. 
While the enemy's balls were falling round him, he coolly drew his 
pipe from his pocket, lighted it, and commenced smoking, while he 
directed the movements of his men. They fought bravely, but were 
utterly defeated. 



116 BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. [1771 

4. The fort still held out, and Arnold, witli a detachment from 
Scliuyler's army, undertook to relieve it. When a short distance 
from the British, Arnold contrived to get a report spread among 
them that a large body of Americans was within a few hours' march 
of their camp. A panic seized them, and regulars, tories, and Indi- 
ans, were soon in full flight. Tents, baggage, provisions, and artil- 
lery, were left behind. The besieging force was broken up, and the 
fort was saved. 

5. A second detachment was sent by Burgoyne to Bennington, 
Yermont, to capture the stores deposited there. General Stark met 
them with some brave militia-men, hastily collected. "When he 
saw the British forming for battle. Stark thus addressed his troops : 
" See, men ! There are the red-coats. We must beat them to-day, 
or Molly Stark's a widow ! " And they did beat. Six hundred of 
the British were taken prisoners. 

6. Among Stark's men was a minister, who wanted to fight, but 
had conscientious scruples about doing so till he had invited the 
enemy to surrender. So, going near their camp before the battle, 
he commenced preaching to them, and urging them to lay down 
their arms. A volley of musketry was the reply. " Now give me 
a gun," said the minister to a friend who had accompanied him. 
Tlie way he handled his gun in the battle showed that he had quite 
got over his conscientious scruples. 

Y. Burgoyne had depended much on these two expeditions. 
Their failure was a severe blow. The Indians became discouraged 
and departed. The tories were afraid to join him. Provisions be- 
came scarce. Tlie Americans carefully removed their cattle and 
every thing that could be of use to his army. Mrs. Schuyler, by 
her husband's orders, set fire to her own fields of grain, to prevent 
their falling into the hands of the enemy. Here you see her apply- 



17T7] 



FIRST BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 



117 



ing the torch. Meanwhile, the farmers of "New York and New 
England were ponring into the American camp. 




8. Just at this time, Congress unjustly removed Schuyler from 
the command of the northern army, and appointed General Gates 
in his stead. Gates determined to make a stand on the west bank 
of the Hudson, and erected fortifications there. Burgoyne could 
go no farther without giving battle. This he resolved to do. On 
the 19th of September, 1777, the first battle of Stillwater was 
fought. The action was most severe and lasted till night. Though 
neither party gained a decided victory, the Americans had the ad- 
vantage. 

9. Burgoyne was now in greater danger than ever. He had 
sent for aid to the British general at "New York, but had received 
no answer. Again he must either starve or fight. He resolved on 



118 BURGOYNE'S SURRENDER. [HTT 

uiiotlier cnf»;ii<^^(;nioiit, and on the 7tli of October tlic Bccond battle 
of Stillwater took place. This time the Americans were completely 
victoricHiM. lVr<)r<2:an, with liirt riilemen, and Arnold, whom you 
have, licard of bcCori^, repeUed the furious rhar^cH of the ]>ritisli, and 
(h'()V(^ tlu'iii IVoiii tlicir ground. In vain Burgoyno strove to rally 
his men. The Amcri(ranfl were left in i)08Hertsi()n of the field. 

10. As soon as iii^^ht set in, l>ur«^oyne fell back on Saratoga. 
lie, hoped to b(^ able to n^tn^at. Ihit it was too lat(i ; he was 
hemmed in on all sides. His messages to (ieneral (Jiinton were 
still unanswered. No other course was left than to surrender. 
This lu? did. All his nuni, nearly six thousand in number, laid 
down tluiir anris, and gave up their baggage, cannon, and anmm- 
nilion at Saratoga. What rejoicings there were throughout the 
country over the glorious news that Burgoyne's great army had 
Burrendi^-ed to the " rebels " it had come to crush ! 

QincsTioNS. — 1. In 1777, who led ftuotlier IJiitisli army into the fiold? What Htato 
did l{iU7;o>ne inviide V What did he do on Uie bunk of Lake Ciianiplain ? Wliat jmsts 
were taken ? What did the Americans do as nuiKoync advanced?— 2. Who commanded 
the northern American army? (live an accovnit of the attempt to murder (Jeneral 
SchuyU'r. — 8. What detachment had been sent out by liurgoyne ? Where did thiw dc- 
tacliment meet witli a brave resistance? (Jive un account of General Herkimer's attemjjt 
to relieve Fort Stanwix, — 1, Who then undertook to rehevo the fort ? Rehito Arnold's 
stratagem. — 5. Where did Uiugoyne send another detachment? By whom were they 
•met? How did Slark address his men ? Wliat was U»e result of the battle of Henning. 
ton?— (>. {{('late the story about the conscientious minister. — 7. What ellect did the failure 
of these expeditions have ? What is related of Mrs. Schuyler? How was the American 
army increased V— 8. What change was now made in the conmumd of the northern 
army? AVhat did (lates determine to do? What was the conseciuence? Give an ac- 
count of the iirst battle of Stillwater.— 0. What was now Ihirgoyne's condition? (Jive 
an account of the second batUe of Stillwater.— 10. What was IJurgoyne's next movement? 
What was ho liuully obliged to do? What were aurreuderod at Saratoga? 



mr] IJATTLKS OF BRANDYWINE AND GERMANTOWN. 119 

LESSON XXXVL 

BBANDYWINR-GKUM A NTOWN.- VALLEY FOEOE. 

1. Wliilti IIkjhc. evontH wcro going on in tLo iiortli, Wmilii upturn 
was trying to l<e(ip General Jlovve in vlwA-k.- ['nahUj to l^i'ing 
Washington to an engagement in N(nv Av.rM'.y, IIovvc; liad i)ut to 
sea with eighteen thousand men. Jf(i lan(J(5(l about iii'ty mihis from 
Philadeljjhia, and eommenced marelihig towards tliat eity. Con- 
gress was in session at l*]jihid(;lp]iia, and Washington wanted to 
save the eity if he eould. He liad only eiglit tliousand men iit for 
ficrviee, but with these lie met the Jjritish at Brandywine. The 
Amerieans wenj defeated. Congress had to leave l^hilade]]>hia. 
Howe entered the city in triumph. 

2. Among those who fought l)rav(;ly at Brandywinr; was La 
Fayette \lali f(i-ei'\. This young Freneh nobhi had hift his home 
and friends, and come over to help the Americans fight for freedom. 
His family objected to his coming. Ihit Fa Fayette, without tluiir 
knowledge, bought a v(;ssel, and with a Kcaw noble hearts like him- 
self succeeded in rear;liing Americji. Congress made him a gene- 
ral, and h(,' became the bosom friend of Washington. 

'>. 'J'he Ih-itihh W(;re now in pleasant quaj'ters in and around 
Philadelphia. A large division was stationed at Germantown, six 
miles from the city. This forccj Washington tried to surj^rise, Oc- 
tober 4th, 1777. At fij'st victory inclined to the Americans. Jhit 
some of th(i men faihjd to obey orders, and a thick fog arose, which 
gave the Fritish a chance to I'ally. 'J'he Americans w(;r(i d(;feated 
with considerable loss. Cold weather soon set in, and Washington 
led his men into winter-quarters at Valley Forge, about twenty 
miles from Fhiladelphia. 



120 



VALLEY FORGE. 



[1777 



4. An amTising incident took place at the battle of Germantown. 
General Greene, who commanded one division of the Americans, 
had by his side a major, who wore his hair down his back in a cue. 
While the firing was at its height, a bullet carried off the major's 
cue. " Don't be in a hurry, major," said Greene ; "just get down 
and pick up your cue." The major very coolly did so. Presently 
another ball came along, and cut off one of General Greene's curls. 
" Now, general," said the major, " it's your turn. Just dismount 
and get your curl." But the general preferred letting his curl go. 

5. Washington's men suffered intensely at Valley Forge. A 
great part of them could not move out of their huts for want of 
clothes. Many had no shoes. Some were without blankets, and 
had to rest at night in their rags on the bare frozen ground. Sick- 
ness set in. Food could hardly be obtained. Most of the people 



n'N^^/^^V^.t-, 




The American Army at Valley Forge. 



ITTT] BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 121 

in the neighborhood were tories, who sold their produce to the Brit- 
ish at high prices. "Washington had no gold or silver, and the pa- 
per mon(!y issued by Congress was worth but little. Tliis was 
indeed a trying hour. 

6. There were some kind hearts, however, that felt for the poor 
American soldiers. One devoted woman, Mary Knight, used to 
cook provisions for them, and carry them herself to the camp in the 
depth of winter, disguised as a market-woman, that she might pass 
the British outposts. Her brother was a general in the American 
army. The British set a price upon his head ; but this brave wo- 
man saved him by heading him up in an empty cider hogshead in 
the cellar, and feeding him through the bunghole. lie stayed there 
three days, and the British searched the house four times for him 
without success. 

7. While tilings looked thus gloomy, a joyful piece of news 
reached the camp. It was that France had acknowledged the inde- 
pendence of the United States, and would help them against Eng- 
land. This was brought about chiefly through the efibrts of Benja- 
min Franklin. This great man was the son of a candle-maker. In 
his youth, his father employed him in cutting wicks and filling 
candle-moulds. But he longed for knowledge. He would even 
deny himself sleep that he might read and study. After learning 
the art of printing, he left his home and set out to make his 
fortune. 

8. Franklin found himself in Philadelphia with a single dollar 
in his pocket. For a time he had hard work to get along. But he 
w^as very frugal. He lived on gruel ; and, when his landlady in- 
formed him she could not afford to board him any longer at the 
price he was paying, he told her she must make the gruel thinner. 
Franklin became a great writer and philosopher. His name was 



122 BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. [1778 

honored in Europe, and in liis own country lie was revered as a 
true-hearted patriot. 

Questions. — 1. While Burgoyne was conducting his campaign, what was "Washington 
trying to do ? What movements had been made by Howe ? How many men had each 
general? Where did they meet? What was the result of the battle of Brandy wine ? — 
— 2. Who is mentioned as fighting bravely at Brandywine ? What is said of this young 
French noble ? — 3. Where was a large division of the British stationed ? What attempt did 
Washington make? Give an account of the battle of Germantown. Where did Wash- 
ington lead his men into winter-quarters ? — 4. What amusing incident took place during the 
battle of Germantown? — 5. What was the condition of the American army at Valley 
Forge? What made it hard for them to get provisions? — 6. How did Mary Knight 
help the American soldiers? How did she preserve her brother? — 1. Amid the general 
gloom, what joyful news was received ? By whose efforts had this been brought about? 
What is said of the youth of Benjamin Frankhn? — 8. On reaching Philadelphia, what 
did Franklin find? What passed between him and his landlady? How was Franklin 
regarded? 



LESSOI XXXYII. 

MONMOUTH.— WYOMING.— MOVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH. 

1. In the spring of 1778, Howe returned to England, and Gene- 
ral Clinton took command of the British forces. Clinton had orders 
to evacuate Philadelphia and lead his men to 'New York. To do 
this, he had to cross New Jersey. "Washington was soon in pur- 
suit. His army was not half so large as Clinton's, and most of his 
officers thought it would be imprudent to risk an engagement. 

i Washington thought otherwise ; and at Monmouth, New Jersey, he 
gave battle to Clinton. 

2. General Lee was to commence the attack with an advanced 
division. What was Washington's dismay, when, on coming up 
with the main force, he found this division retreating without hav- 
ing struck a blow. He at once stopped them, and posted his men 



mS] MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 123 

ill such a way that the British were checked. The action continued 
till night with advantage to the Americans. They rested on their 
arms, expecting to renew the battle in the morning. Washington 
slept on the field in his cloak. But, when day dawned, no British 
were to be seen. They had silently departed for New York. 

3. On the day of the battle the heat was intense. Many of the 
British soldiers died from its effects. When Monmouth is mentioned, 
the name of Molly Pitcher must not be forgotten. Her husband 
served at one of the American cannon. While she was bringing 
him water from a spring, a ball struck him, and he fell. There was 
no one to manage his gun. Springing forward, she took his place, 
and performed her duty in the most heroic manner. Washington 
appointed her a sergeant in the army, and she was afterwards well 
known as " Captain Molly ". 

4. The Indians, bribed by the British, had from time to time 
during the war given trouble on the frontier. In the summer of 
1778, in company with a band of tories, they made a descent on 
Wy-o'-ming. This was a flourishing settlement in a lovely valley 
in Pennsylvania. Most of the men were away, fighting for their 
country. Those who remained, hearing of their danger, quickly 
armed themselves, and assembled in a fort with the women and 
children. When the tories and Indians were near the fort, they 
sent word to the ofiicer in command to come out and confer with 
them. 

5. Taking some of his men as a guard, he did as they requested, 
but was immediately attacked. Most of the party were cut off. 
The next day, the enemy surrounded the fort. After holding out 
till most of his men had fallen, the commander surrendered, on the 
promise that those within should be spared. But no sooner were 
the tories and Indians admitted than they commenced killing all 



124 MOVEMENTS IX THE SOUTH. [1778 

they met. Some even mm-dered their own relatives. Wyoming 
was a ruin. Few of its once happy people escaped the massacre. 

6. Late in the year 1778, the British commenced operations in 
the south. They took Savannah, and overran the eastern part of 
Georgia, robbing the whig families, and spreading terror in their 
path. A French "fleet containing a body of troops having arrived off 
the coast, General Lincoln hastened to join them in attacking Sa- 
vannah. The French would not wait to besiege the city ; so it was 
resolved to storm it. Though the attack was bravely made, the 
Americans and French were driven back with loss. The brave 
Jasper lost his life in trying to save the flag of his regiment. 

7. The patriots of the south suffered a still more serious reverse 
the next year. A strong force of British collected around Charleston, 
which was defended by General Lincoln, with a large army. The 
Americans held out till their houses were nearly battered down by 
the British cannon, but were obliged to yield at last. Five thousand 
men, with stores and artillery, thus fell into the hands of the enemy. 

8. One of the British posts in Georgia was held by a Captain 
French, with forty men and five vessels. Colonel "White, with four 
men, set out to capture them. Near the British post they kindled 
a number of fires, as if a large camp were there, and then, quickly 
riding round, gave various orders in a loud tone of voice, as if they 
were directing the movements of a large army. Tliey completely 
deceived Captain French, who thought there was no use of attempt- 
ing to resist such a host, and surrendered his men and vessels. 

9. But how were the five men to secure their prisoners ? Tliere 
was danger that the latter would discover the artifice, and over- 
whelm them with numbers. So Colonel White told them that his 
men were very angry at the British on account of their outrages, 
and that they had better keep out of sight. He would send them 



1778] PRIVATEERS. 125 

aliead with three or four of his men as guides, while he remained 
to restrain his army. Then, hastening off, he collected the militia 
of the neighborhood, who soon overtook the others, and led the 
British in triumph to the nearest American post. 

Questions. — 1. In 1'7'78, what change was made in the command of the British army? 
What orders had Clinton ? How did his army compare with Washington's ? Where did 
they meet ? — 2. Give an accoimt of the battle of Monmouth. How did the Americans 
and Washington pass the night ? What did they find in the morning ? — 3. Describe 
the weather on the day of the battle. Tell the story of Molly Pitcher. — 4. What is said 
of the Indians on the frontier? What did they do in lYVS? Where was Wyoming? 
What preparations were made by its inhabitants ? What message did the enemy send 
to the commanding officer? — 5. What befell this officer and his guard ? What followed? 
Give an account of the massacre. — 6. Where did the British commence operations, 
towards the close of 1778 ? What city did they take ? By whom were they attacked in 
Savannah ? What was the result of the attack? Who lost his life in this battle? — ^7. 
What serious reverse did the patriots of the south suffer the next year ? What fell into 
the hands of the enemy at Charleston ? — 8. Relate the stratagem practised by Colonel 
White ? — 9. How did White secure his prisoners. 



LESSOR XXXYIII. 

PAUL JONES.-FEANCIS MAEION. 



1. On the ocean, the United States could do but little against 
the great navy of England. Many fast-sailing little vessels, how- 
ever, were armed and sent out by private persons. Tliey were 
C£i\led p7'ivatee7's. Cruising wherever there was a chance of taking 
a prize, they were of great service in cutting off English merchant- 
vessels, capturing stores, &c. Congress managed from time to time 
to procure a few vessels. These were intrusted to skilful command- 
ers, who gained some important victories. Among the most famous 
of these commanders was Paul Jones. 



126 PAUL JONES. [ITTO 

2. Paul Jones Avas the son of a Scottish gardener. From early 
boyhood he was fond of the sea. After making various voyages, 
he settled in Virginia. When the Kevohition broke out, he walked 
to PhiLadclphia and offered his services to Congress. They were 
accepted, and he had the honor of hoisting the first flag that ever 
floated over an American man-of-war. It was of yellow silk, and 
bore the device of a pine tree and a rattlesnake, with the words 
Don't tread on me. Jones was soon off to Nova Scotia, running 
into the harbors, destroying the shipping, and capturing prizes. 

3. Jones afterwards cruised about the English coasts, to repay 
the enemy for their outrages in American ports. He was so suc- 
cessful in his descents that his very name became a terror. At one 
point of the coast, when his dreaded vessel was seen in the offing, 
the minister went down with his congregation to the shore, and 
made a strange but fervent prayer for deliverance. Soon after- 
wards the wind rose, white caj)s appeai'ed on the sea, and Jones 
had to change his course, — owing, as the people believed, to their 
minister's prayer. 

4. Jones' most famous battle was with the British frigate Ser'-a- 
i:)is (September, 1779). After one of the most terrible actions ever 
fought, the British struck their colors. Finding his vessel sinking, 
Jones took his men on board of the Serapis. She was on fire, but 
he succeeded in saving her. The captain of the Serapis was made 
a knight by the King for his bravery in this battle. " Well, he de- 
served it," said Paul Jones ; " and, if I fall in with him again, I'll 
make a lord of him." 

5. During the winter of 1778-9, General Putnam was stationed 
with some troops in Connecticut. Early one morning, while sha- 
ving, he saw in the looking-glass a body of red-coats coming up the 
road. Throwing down his razor, he buckled on his sword, mounted 



1T79] 



rUTNAM'S ESCAPE. 



127 



his horse, and roused his men. But they were too few to oppose 
the enemy, and the order was given to retreat. 

6. The soldiers fled in difterent directions. Putnam found him- 
self, hotly pursued by some dragoons, at the top of a steep descent, 
consisting of about a hundred steps, cut in the rock for the conve- 
nience of those who attended church on the hill. Down this peril- 
ous descent he dashed, turning to wave defiance at the dragoons, 
who durst not follow. They fired at him, but he escaped with a 
bullet through his hat. 




7. We left the British in possession of Savannah and Charleston- 
Sending out parties, they soon overran the whole of South Carolina. 
The people were required to acknowledge the King's authority. But 



128 PARTISAN WARFARE IN THE SOUTH. [1780 

even those who did so were often robbed and driven from their 
homes. Such outrages roused many of the brave people of Caro- 
lina. They formed small parties, took to the swamps and woods, 
and resolved to fight till their country was free. Wherever a Brit- 
ish detachment was to be cut off, or a band of tories to be dispersed, 
they appeared when least expected. They often went into battle 
with only three charges of powder apiece. Some were without 
guns, and would have to wait for those of their companions who fell. 

8. No braver men ever lived than the leaders of these parties. 
Among them were Sumter, called from his courage " the Carolina 
Game-cock ", and Marion, the cunning " Swamp Fox ". Marion 
was one of the heroes of the palmetto fort. He was also in Charles- 
ton under Lincoln, and escaped being taken by a singular accident. 
Shortly after the enemy appeared, he was dining with some friends, 
who insisted on his drinking with them to excess. To avoid doing 
so, he jumped to the street from the second-story window, and 
broke his ankle. "Unfit for duty, he was conveyed from the city by 
a road that was still open, and thus escaped to serve his country. 

9. Marion and his men were the terror of the British and tories. 
They seemed to rest neither day nor night. Making their home in 
forests which the enemy could not penetrate, they lived on what 
scanty food they could there procure. A British officer once visited 
Marion, to arrange for an exchange of prisoners. He was invited 
to stay to dinner, and presently a few roasted sweet potatoes were 
brought in on a shingle. The officer could hardly believe that this 
was all his dreaded .enemy had to live on. On his return, he re- 
signed his commission in the British army, saying that such men 
could not be subdued. 

10. The high-souled women of Carolina did their part also. 
Tliey tried to provide their brave defenders with clothes, and keep 



IT80] MARIOX AND HIS MEN. 129 

them informed of the enemy's movements. To save a party of 
whigs, a Miss Moore, only fifteen years old, set out in a boat at 
night, with her little brother and a female friend, and, after rowing 
for miles at the risk of her life, delivered her message and returned. 
In one district, a company of young women went round in harvest 
time to the different farms, and, wherever they found that the 
owner was away, fighting for his country, they cut and garnered 
his grain. 

Questions. — 1. How did the power of the United States compare with that of England 
on the ocean? What are privateers? How did they annoy the Enghsh? Who was 
among the most famous officers employed by Congress ? — 2. Give an account of the early 
life of Paul Joues. What did he do when the Revolution broke out ? What honor did 
he enjoy? Describe this flag. What was Jones soon doing? — 3. Where did Jones after- 
wards cruise? How was he looked upon? What happened at one point of the coast? 
— 4. What was Jones' most famous battle? What was the result of the engagement? 
What honor did the King confer on the commander of the Serapis ? What did Jones 
say ? — 5, 6. Give an account of Putnam's escape from the dragoons. — 7. What state was 
overrun by the British in 1780? What were the people required to do ? What outrages 
were committed ? What was their effect ? — 8. Name two famous partisan leaders. Where 
had Marion served ? How had he escaped capture at Charleston ? — 9. What is said of 
Marion and his men ? Relate the story of Marion and the British officer. — 10. How did 
the women of Carolina help their defenders ? Tell the story of Miss Moore. What was 
done by one company of young women ? 



LESSOR XXXIX. 

HANGING PwOCK.— CAMDEN.— AENOLD'S TEEASON. 

1. Marion and his men met with many an adventure. The fa- 
mous leader was once nearly surrounded in a corn-field by British 
dragoons. His only chance of escape lay in leaping a fence seven 
feet high, with a wide ditch beyond it. The dragoons thought they 
had caught the Swamp Fox at last. "What was their surprise, when 



130 



MARION AND HIS MEN. 



[1T80 



his liorse made the leap in gallant style, cleared fence and ditch, 
and bore his master safely off into an adjoining thicket ! 




Marion and his Men. 

2. Among Marion's bravest followers were Colonel Horry and 
Captain Baxter. In one of their battles, Baxter cried out, " I am 
wounded, colonel." " 'No matter, Baxter," answered Horry ; 
" stand to your post." " But I can't stand," said Baxter ; " I am 
wounded a second time." *' Lie down, then, captain, but quit not 
your post." ^' They have shot me again," cried Baxter ; " and, if 
I stay here any longer, I shall be shot to pieces." " Well, Baxter, 
be it so, but stir not," was Horry's reply : — and the order was obey- 
ed, though the wounded man was shot a fourth time during the 
battle. 

3. At last Congress sent an army to the south, under General 



1780] BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 131 

Gates. Gates marclied towards Camden, one of the chief posts of 
the British. As he approached, the hopes of the patriots revived. 
A number of farmers took the field, and defeated a large detach- 
ment of the enemy at Hanging Rock. 

4. The powder used by the Americans in this battle had been 
stored in a house occupied by one of the patriots, with his wife and 
mother-in-law\ Shortly before the battle, a party of British sur- 
rounded the house, and commenced attacking it. The two women 
loaded guns, while the man fired them, with such rapidity that the 
British thought a large body of troops was posted there, and gave 
up the attack. Thus the powder was saved. 

5. On the 15th of August, 1780, Gates drew up his men, and 
late at night set out for Camden to surprise the enemy. Strangely 
enough, the British, without knowing of this movement, were on the 
march to surprise Gates. The two armies met and joined battle. 
Early in the engagement, some of the Americans gave way, and 
the result was a total defeat. Great quantities of stores were taken 
by the British. Gates could not rally his men. His army was 
completely broken up. Shortly after this. Congress removed Gates 
from the command of the southern army, and appointed General 
Greene in his stead. 

6. The whole state was now at the mercy of the English. Con- 
gress wanted to send an army into the field, but could not do so for 
want of funds. They had kept issuing paper money ; and now 
there was so much of it out that people lost faith in its value, and 
it passed for very little. It took six hundred dollars of it to buy a 
pair of boots. The pay of an officer would hardly keep his horse in 
oats. It is not strange that Congress found it hard to raise soldiers. 

7. Meanwhile, "Washington's army in the north was in so 
wretched a state that he could do nothing. Every thing looked 



132 ARNOLD'S TREASON. [1T80 

gloomy ; and, to make matters worse, a treaclierous blow was just 
at this time aimed at the patriot cause. Arnold, whose bravery at 
Quebec and Stillwater you have read of, became a traitor. He was 
in command of a strong fortress that had been built by the Ameri- 
cans at West Point. This post he offered to betray to the British, 
on condition that they would make him a general in their army, 
and give him about fifty thousand dollars. 

8. Major Andre, an accomplished British officer, was sent up 
from 'New York to arrange the terms with Arnold. He came 
within the American lines, and, having agreed with the traitor and 
received the necessary papers, set out on his return. When he had 
almost reached the British outposts, he was stopped by three Amer- 
ican militia-men. On examining him, they found the papers in his 
stockings. Hefusing an offer of ten thousand guineas to let him go, 
these honest patriots took their prisoner to the nearest American 
post. After a fair trial, he was hanged as a spy. 

9. Arnold heard of Andre's capture in time to escape to a Brit- 
ish vessel. Beceiving his promised rank in the British army, he 
afterwards showed his hatred of the patriots by ravaging different 
parts of the country. But British as well as Americans despised 
him. He enjoys the honor of being the only traitor in the Bevolu- 
tionary War. 

10. Washington was very anxious to capture the traitor, and a 
plan was formed for that purpose. A Yirginian pretended to de- 
sert, and joined Arnold's legion. The traitor's quarters were then 
in New York, near the Hudson Biver ; and the plan was to seize 
him, gag him, and take him in a boat across to New Jersey. Be- 
fore it could be done, Arnold changed his quarters. He was after- 
wards sent to lay waste portions of Yirginia, and there La Fayette 
tried to capture him, but without success. 



1T80] BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. 133 

Questions. — 1. Give an account of Marion's escape from some British dragoons. — 2. 
Tell the story about Horry and Baxter. — 3. What was at last done by Congress ? Where 
did Gates march ? What did the patriots do as he approached? — 4. How was the powder 
used at Hanging Rock saved ? — 5. What was the date of the battle of Camden ? What 
strange coincidence is mentioned? Give an account of the battle. What followed? 
Who superseded General Gates? — 6. What prevented Congress from sending another 
army into the field? What difiiculties did Congress labor under ? — T. What was the con- 
dition of Washington's army in the north ? What treacherous blow was now aimed at; 
the patriot cause ? What post did Arnold command ? What offer did he make to the 
British ? — 8. Who was sent to confer with Arnold ? What took place while Andre was re- 
turning ? What was the fate of Andre ? — 9. What did Arnold do, on hearing of Andre's 
capture? How did Arnold afterwards distinguish himself ? How was he looked upon? 
— 10. What plan was formed for capturing Arnold? How was it defeated? Who sub- 
sequently tried to lake him ? 



LESSON XL. 

KING'S MOUNTAIN.— COWPENS.—GUILFOED COURT HOUSE. 

1. After liis victory at Camden, Cornwallis proceeded to reduce 
IS"ortli Carolina. He sent a detacliment to the mountain s, to enroll 
the tories and frighten the whigs. But the whig mountaineers 
were not easily frightened. They made powder for themselves out 
of the nitre they found in the caverns, and charcoal burned on their 
own hearths. Giving chase to the British detachment mentioned 
above, they overtook it at King's Mountain, and made the whole 
party prisoners with but little loss. 

2. Greene, on assuming command of the southern army, stationed 
detachments at several important points. One of these, under 
General Morgan, was attacked at Cowpens by Tarle'-ton, a British 
officer, famous for his courage and cruelty. Tarleton's men charged 
with their usual fierceness, but were received by Morgan's rifiemen 
so firmly that they wavered. At this crisis, a charge from Colonel 



134 BATTLE OF COWPENS. [1T81 

Washington's cavalry decided the day. The British were defeated, 
with the loss of many men, and much of their baggage. 

3. As Colonel Washington was charging at full speed in this 
battle, he encountered Tarleton. Both were good swordsmen, but 
Tarleton was wounded, and had to turn and flee. Soon after this, 
in a gay company, Tarleton sneered at the American officers, and 
said above all he should like to see that famous hero. Colonel Wash- 
ington. " You might have done so, colonel," answered a whig lady 
who was present, " if you had only looked behind you at the battle 
of Cowpens." 

4. Colonel Washington was as good at stratagem as he was 
brave. He once appeared before a British redoubt, which was too 
strong to be taken without artillery. Having no cannon, he cut a 
pine log, and mounted it on wheels so as to resemble one. Parad- 
ing this in front of his force, he summoned the British to surren- 
der. The stratagem succeeded. Frightened by Colonel Washing- 
ton's pine log, they laid down their arms without delay. 

5. Tarleton's defeat at Cowpens made Cornwallis very angry. 
Setting out at once in pursuit of Morgan, he reached the Catawba 
Kiver just two hours after the Americans had crossed it. JS'ight 
was near at hand, and he determined to wait where he was till 
morning. During the night a rain set in, and swelled the liver so 
that for three days it was impassable. Meanwhile, Greene had 
hastened to help Morgan conduct the retreat. When near the 
army, he entered an inn, drenched with rain and almost in despair. 
His kind hostess, after preparing his dinner, brought him all her 
money, and told him to devote it to the cause of freedom. 

6. Greene continued the retreat as rapidly as possible, and crossed 
the Yadkin. Before the British arrived, another heavy rain com- 
menced, and the river became impassable. Crossing higher up. 



ITSl] BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT HOUSE. 135 

Cornwallis pressed on to intercept the Americans before tliey reach- 
ed the Dan. But he did not succeed. The Americans, ahnost sink- 
ing with fatigue, reached the ford first, and got across in safety. 
Here Cornwallis gave up the pursuit. We can hardly form an idea 
of the hardships suffered by the Americans in this retreat. Their 
shoes and clothes were worn out. During the whole time, they had 
eaten but one meal a day, and had slept in the open air. 

T. As soon as his men were rested, Greene again took the field. 
He followed the enemy into North Carolina, and gave them battle 
at Guilford Court House. The British had the better in this en- 
gagement. But their victory was so dearly bought that Cornwallis 
thought it prudent to fall back. He soon after took command of 
the detachment that had been sent out under Arnold to ravage Vir- 
ginia. This was pleasant work for Arnold, Tarleton, and Cornwal- 
lis. They managed to destroy ten million dollars' worth of property 
in the spring and summer of 1Y81. After this, Cornwallis collected 
his forces, and fortified himself at Yorktown, Yirginia. 

8. Meanwhile, Marion and Lee were busy in Carolina. Tliey 
took one British post after another. The patriotism of Mrs. Motte, 
a noble w^hig lady, is worthy of being remembered. A party of 
British had seized her house. Marion and Lee were besieo-infi: them, 
when they heard that a large British army was but a few miles off*. 
Rather than have them give up the attack, Mrs. Motte insisted on 
their setting fire to her fine house, to dislodge the enemy. It was 
done ; and the British had to hang out a white fiag as a signal of 
surrender. 

9. Among other important posts, Georgetown fell before Marion 
and Lee. In the attack on this place, the Americans had driven 
the enemy from an enclosure, and the latter advanced to recover it. 
" Bush on ! " said the British leader ; " they are only worthless 



136 BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. [1T81 

militia, and have no bayonets." Sergeant Orel immediately placed 
himself in the gate of the enclosure. As the British came up, he 
struck down one after another with his sword, crying, " Any bay- 
onets here ? N"one at all, to be sure." The British recoiled before 
his single arm, and gave up the attack. 

Questions. — 1. After his victory at Camden, what did Cornwallis proceed to do? 
What was done by some whig mountaineers ? What Avas the result of the battle of 
King's Mountain ? — 2. Whom did General Greene station at Cowpens ? By whom was 
Morgan attacked.' Give an account of the battle. — 3. Describe the encounter between 
Colonel Washington and Tarleton. What rebuke did Tarleton soon after receive ? — 4. 
Give an account of Colonel Washington's stratagem. — 5. What was done by Cornwallis 
on hearing of Tarleton's defeat at Cowpens ? How were the Americans saved at the 
Catawba? What befell General Greene about this time? — 6. How were the Americans 
saved at the Yadkin ? After crossing the Yadkin, what did CornwalHs try to do ? Did 
he succeed ? What is said of the hardships of the Americans ? — 7. W^here was the next 
battle fought ? What was its result ? What did Cornwallis think it best to do ? W^here 
did he afterwards go ? How much property was destroyed by the British in Virginia? 
Where did Cornwallis then collect his forces ? — 8. "\Miat were Marion and Lee now doing? 
What took place at Mrs. Motte's ? — 9. Relate an incident connected with the attack on 
Georgetown. 



LESSOR XLI. 

EUTAW.— TOEKTOWN.— CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. 

1. After the battle of Guilford Court House, Greene marched 
into South Carolina, against the army which Cornwallis had left 
there to keep the patriots in check. He met with a reverse at Hob- 
kirk's Hill, but, with the aid of Marion, Lee, Sum^ter, and Pickens, 
most of the state was soon recovered from the British. Greene at 
last gave battle to the main body of the enemy at Eutaw Springs. 
Both parties fought with desperate courage. 

2. During the battle, a party of British retired into a brick 



1781] ARRIVAL OF A FRENCH FLEET. 13Y 

dwelling, and closed the doors so quickly as to shut out one of 
tlieir own officers. As the Americans came up to the attack, he 
pompously presented himself to their colonel, enumerating all his ti- 
tles. "Sir, I am deputy adjutant-general of the British army, sec- 
retary of the commander, captain of the 52nd regiment — " 
" Enough," interrupted the colonel ; " you are just the man I was 
looking for. I'll take good care of you ; " and holding his prisoner 
between himself and the British guns, he screened his person till he 
had accomplished what he wanted, and retired out of danger. 

3. The British gave way before the steady courage of Greene's 
men. The latter, thinking the battle was over, fell upon the cap- 
tured stores. Seeing them thus employed, the enemy rallied and 
renewed the attack. The Americans w^ere taken by surprise, but 
Greene succeeded in drawing oif his men with some loss. The Brit- 
ish had suffered so much, that the next day their commander de- 
stroyed his stores and returned to Charleston. 

4. A French fleet, sent over to aid the Americans, arrived off 
the coast of Virginia in the summer of 1781. Washington had been 
threatening the British army in New York. Now, however, he 
marched rapidly to the south, to join the French in surrounding 
Cornwallis. General Clinton, who commanded in New York, did 
not discover this movement till it was too late to prevent it. La Fay- 
ette's division was already in Yirginia. Towards the close of Sep- 
tember, the French and American armies invested Yorktown, and a 
heavy fire was opened from their batteries. 

5. Breaches were soon made in the British works. Cornwallis 
tried a sally, but was driven back into his fortifications. He then 
attempted to convey his men by night across the York River, with 
the intention of forcing his way through the French lines at the op- 
posite point, and hastening to join Clinton at New York. One di- 



138 



SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. 



[nsi 



yision crossed the y'iycv in safety ; but a furioTis storm set in, and 

the rest were unable to join 




them. Those who had landed, 
after a severe drenching, were 
brought back in the morning, 
and no further efforts to escape 
were made. 

G. Cornwallis's only hope 
now lay in aid from Clinton. 
He held out as long as he could ; 
but the allied armies brought 
their batteries closer and closer, 
and on the 19th of October he 
found it necessary to surrender. 
Over seven thousand British sol- 
diers laid down their arms. 
Washington generously tried to 
avoid wounding the feelings of 
the enemy. Before they ap- 
peared on the field, he rode up to his men, as they were drawn up 
in line, and said : " My boys, let there be no insults over a con- 
quered foe. When they lay down their arms, don't huzzah. Pos- 
terity will huzzah for you." That same day, Clinton set out to re- 
lieve Cornwallis, with a strong force of ships and men. Learning 
that he was too late, when off the coast of Yirginia, he sailed back 
to 'New York. 

Y. The news of the surrender of Cornwallis was everywhere 
hailed with delight. The old state-house bell at Philadelphia rang 
to announce the joyful tidings. Many were so overcome that they 
could only weep. The aged door-keeper of Congress died from ex- 



La Fayette. 



1781] END OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 139 

cess of joy. Washington did not forget to ascribe his success to a 
merciful Providence ; and the troops united in returning thanks to 
the God of battles. 

8. The surrender of Cornwallis put an end to the Eevolutionary 
War. The King and Parliament found it was useless to try to con- 
quer men who would fight in rags, and on one poor meal a day, 
rather than lose their freedom. Commissioners from both countries 
met at Paris. The independence of the United States was acknowl- 
edged by Great Britain, and peace was established. The British 
army received orders to evacuate ISTew York, and this was done on 
the 25th of November, 1783. " Evacuation day " is still kept in 
ISTew York. 

9. While the American army was lying unemployed, a new 
danger arose. Both officers and men complained loudly of Congress 
for not paying them according to agreement. They even went so 
far as to threaten violence, and offered to make Washington King. 
Grieved at the display of such a spirit, Washington nobly rejected 
their offer ; he dissuaded them from violence, and urged Congress 
to make provision for meeting their demands. 

10. On the establishment of peace, the army, through Washing- 
ton's efforts, was quietly disbanded. Many a poor soldier left for 
home without a penny in his pocket. In December, 1783, Wash- 
ington took leave of his officers. It was hard for those to part, who 
had labored and suffered so long together. With a full heart, one 
after another shook the hand of his revered commander. Then, sur- 
rendering his commission to Congress, the great leader of the Kevo- 
lution retired to private life at Mount Yernon, on the bank of the 
Potomac. 

Questions. — 1. Where did Greene go after the battle of Guilford Court House? 
"WTiere did he meet with a reverse ? What did he soon succeed in doing ? Where did 



140 WASHINGTON'S VISIT TO HIS MOTHER. [1T81 

he give battle to the main body of the enemy ? — 2, Relate an anecdote about a British 
officer at Eutaw. — 3. Give an account of the battle of Eutaw. What was done by the 
British commander the next day ? — 4. Where did a French fleet appear in the summer 
of 1781 ? What was at once done by Washington ? Whose division was already in 
Virginia? When was Yorktown invested ? — 5. What did Cornwallis first try? What did 
he then attempt ? What success did he meet with? — 6. What was now Cornwallis's only 
hope ? When did he find it necessary to surrender? How many laid down their arras ? 
What is related of Washington ? What did Clinton do that same day? — 7. How was the 
news of the surrender received? What took place at Philadelphia? — 8. What did the 
King and Parliament now find was useless ? Where did commissioners meet ? What 
was the result ? What orders did the British army receive? — 9. What new danger arose 
while the American army was lying unemployed ? What oSer did they make Washing- 
ton? How did he meet it ? — 10. When was the army disbanded? What was the condi- 
tion of many of the soldiers ? Give an account of W^ashington's parting with his officers. 
After this, what did he do ? 



LESSOR XLIl. 

FOE^IATION OF A CONSTITUTION. 



1. Shortly after the surrender of Cornwallis, Washington, ac- 
companied by La Fayette and other officers, went to visit his moth- 
er. Six years had passed since they had met, and now he came 
the nation's idol. While a great procession paraded through the 
place in honor of the illustrious visitors, Mrs. Washington remained 
quietly at home, preparing her yarn. " I am glad to see you, 
George," were her first words when Washington entered her house ; 
" you have altered considerably." The next day La Fayette called 
on her, and spoke in glowing terms of her son's greatness. " I am 
not surprised," she answered, " for George always was a good boy." 

2. The war had ceased. Tlie United States were free. But 
they were still surrounded with great difficulties. They owed an 
immense debt to foreign governments, as well as to their own sol- 



1783] FORMATION OF A CONSTITUTIOK 141 

diers and officers. How was tliis to be paid ? Congress had no 
money, and no power to raise any from the different states, which 
considered themselves independent, and looked with jealousy on 
each other and on the general government. England, too, com- 
plained that her merchants could not collect what was owed to them 
in America. It seemed at one time as if the war would be renewed. 

3. The people continued to suffer. All kinds of business were 
dull. The taxes laid in some of the states, though light in them- 
selves, were looked upon as a burden, because money was so scarce. 
In Massachusetts, a number of people rose in arms and resisted the 
government. Shays, who had been a captain in the Revolution, 
took command of them, and the movement was called Shays' Re- 
bellion. For a time they gave some trouble ; but the militia were 
called out, and Shays and his men found it best to submit. The 
ringleaders came near being hanged, but w^ere finally let off. 

4. It was clear that some stronger government was needed. 
Accordingly, a meeting of delegates from each state was called, for 
the purpose of drawing up a constitution. Li May, 1787, the con- 
vention met at the same old state-house in Philadelphia in which 
the Declaration of Independence had been signed. It contained the 
wisest men in the country. Washington was elected its president. 

5. Different points were sharply discussed by the members. It 
was hard to please all. At one time it seemed as if they would be 
unable to agree on a constitution. At length Benjamin Franklin, 
now an old man, but as firm a friend of his country as ever, proposed 
that the clergy of the city should be invited to offer prayer for divine 
guidance every morning before they began their labors. It was 
done. Greater harmony then prevailed. One gave up one point, 
and another another. At last our glorious constitution was com- 
pleted. 



142 PEOYISIOXS OF THE CONSTITUTION". [1787 

6. The constitution was then submitted to the different states. 
Some found fault with it ; but Alexander Hamilton, of 'New York, 
and James Madison, of Yirginia, defended it from all attacks. It 
was soon ratified by most of the states. Within three years all had 
accepted it. It is still (with certain amendments since made) the law 
of the land. 

7. According to the constitution, all laws for the country at 
large have to be passed by two houses. They are called the Senate 
and the House of Eepresentatives. Together they are known as the 
Congress of the United States. Tliey meet once every year. The 
senators are elected by the legislatures of the different states ; the 
representatives, by the people. Tlie laws are interpreted by Judges, 
who form what is called the Supreme Court of the United States. 
The laws are executed by a President, chosen once in four years by 
electors who are themselves chosen by the people. 

8. The President can veto a law passed by Congress. It is then 
null, unless two-thirds of both houses again vote for it. The Presi- 
dent is commander-in-chief of the army and navy. He appoints 
various ofiicers and makes treaties, subject to the aj)proval of the 
senate. At the same time with the President, a Yice-president is 
elected, who, if the President dies or is disabled, takes his place. 
Each state is independent and supreme in matters that concern 
itself alone. It is only in affairs connected with the country at 
large that the general government has power. 

9. Under the new constitution, Washington was elected Presi- 
dent. All looked to him as the only one that could rescue the 
country from the dangers that threatened it. Again, at his coun- 
try's call, he left his quiet home at Mount Yernon. His journey to 
New York showed how the people loved him. Crowds flocked 
about him, delighting to do him honor. On the 30th of April, 



1789] WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 143 

1789, he took the oath of office and became the first President of 
the United States. 

Questions. — 1. Give an account of Washington's visit to his mother. What passed 
between her and La Fayette? — 2. By what difficuUies did Congress find itself sur- 
rounded? Of what did England complain? — 3. What was the condition of the people? 
What took place in Massachusetts ? What was the issue of Shays' rebeUion ? — 4. What 
now became evident? How was it proposed to form a constitution ? When and where 
did the convention meet? Who was elected its president ? — 5. What difiSculties arose in 
the convention ? What proposition was made by Benjamin Frankhn ? What was the 
effect ? — 6. What was done with the constitution, when thus drawn up ? By whom was 
it defended ? How was it received by the states ? — V. According to the constitution, by 
whom are all laws for the country at large passed ? How often does Congress meet ? By 
whom are the senators elected ? The representatives ? By whom are the laws inter- 
preted ? By whom are the laws executed ? — 8. What veto power has the President ? What 
other powers does he possess? Who takes the President's place, if he is disabled? In 
what matters is each state supreme ? In what, the general government ? — 9. Who was 
elected the first President ? What is said of Washington's journey to New York? When 
did he take the oath of office ? 



LESSOR XLIII. 

■WASHINGTON'S TWO TEEMS. 



1. Tlie first thing to be done was to find some way of paying the 
public debt. This was a hard task, but it was intrusted to a man 
of genius, Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton gave all the powers of 
his great mind to the subject. He devised means for gradually 
meeting a great part of the debt. By his advice, Congress char- 
tered a United States Bank with a large capital. People once more 
began to put faith in the government, and business soon became 
brisk. 

2. Tlie next difficulty was with the Indians in the west. Even be- 
fore the Eevolution, some adventurous hunters had pushed out from 



144 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1789 



Yirginia and Carolina beyond the mountains, and made homes for 
themselves in the wilderness. The famous Daniel Boone, with five 
companions, had settled in what is now Kentucky. His wife and 
daughter were the first white women that set foot on the bank 
of the Kentucky River. Many a stirring adventure had Boone and 
such as he, — many a hair-breadth escape from the wild beasts, and 
the wilder Red Men, of the forest ! 

3. One of these pioneer posts was called Bryan Station. In 1782, 
a party of Indians tried to surprise its garrison. Lying in ambush 
near the fort, they waited for the men to come out ; but the cunning 
hunters had seen signs of the foe, and kept within the palisades. 
Unfortunately their water gave out ; and, if they went to the spring. 




I.iuvery of the \Voiai;u vi' i>iyan bUitioJ, Kentuciiy. 



they were sure the Indians would shoot them down and make a rush 
for the fort. At this crisis, the brave women at the post offered to 



1790] INDIAN WAR. 145 

bring the water. Going carelessly past tlie thicket in which the 
savages lay concealed, they filled their pails and returned. Five 
hundred rifles were aimed at them, but not one was fired. The In- 
dians waited for the men, but in vain ; and the fort was saved. 

4. As the settlements in the west increased. Congress tried to 
satisfy the Indians by buying their lands. Tliere were some, how- 
ever, north of the Ohio Kiver, in what is now the state of Indiana, 
that would not join in the sale. They threatened war, and Congress 
had to send an army under General Harmer to subdue them. Har- 
mer laid waste their fields. But, while he was pursuing the Indians 
who had fled before him, one division of his army was defeated, and 
the other was led into an ambuscade and cut to pieces. 

5. General St. Clair an experienced ofiicer, was then sent against 
the Indians. Little Turtle was their leading spirit. He was a fa- 
mous chief, whose nose and ears were bright with silver rings. He 
cunningly planned a surprise. One morning about daylight, when 
near the Indian camp, the invading army was suddenly attacked. 
In spite of St. Clair's efi*orts and the bravery of his officers, his men 
were thrown into confusion. Many were killed, and the battle 
ended in a total rout. 

6. A third army was then sent out, and this time Washington in- 
trusted the command to General Wayne. Wayne had distinguished 
himself in the Revolution. His fierce charges on the enemy had 
gained for him among the soldiers the nick-name of " mad An- 
thony". Advancing cautiously into the country of the Indians, 
Wayne defeated them, and desolated their villages for a distance of 
fifty miles. They were completely humbled. A treaty was signed, 
and for years the frontier was secure. Wayne is said to have told 
the Indians that if they ever broke this treaty he would rise from 
the grave to fight them. 

10 



146 WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. [ITOS 

7. When Washington's four years expired, he was elected for a 
second term. A party had arisen which opposed the measures of 
the President, and complained that he had too much power. But 
the mass of the people still looked to Washington as the father of 
his country. 

8. Early in Washington's second term, he was trouhled with 
what was called the Whiskey Rebellion. A tax had been laid on 
all whiskey that was distilled. Some people in western Pennsylva- 
nia said they would not pay this tax. Assembling under a man 
who took the name of Tom the Tinker, they drove out the collector 
and defied the government. It was not till Washington sent a 
large body of soldiers against them that they returned to reason. 

9. There were some troubles also with France and England ; 
but Washington met them all with wisdom. Some w^anted him to 
aid the French people, who had driven out their King. Others 
said he ought to insist on England's yielding certain points that 
were in dispute. But Washington prudently avoided war. Mean- 
while the country throve. It has gone on increasing in strength. 
The west has become rapidly settled. 'New states have from time 
to time been formed. A list of these, with the date of their admis- 
sion to the Union, will be given hereafter. 

Questions. — 1. What was the first thing to be done in Washington's adminis- 
tration ? To whom was the task intrusted ? What did Hamilton succeed in doing ? 
What did Congress do by his advice? What was the effect of these measures? — 2. 
What was the next difficulty that arose ? Where had adventurous hunters made their 
way ? Who first settled in Kentucky ? What is said of Boone's wife and daughter ? — 3. 
What took place at Bryan Station in 1*782 ? — 4. How did Congress try to satisfy the 
Indians ? What tone was taken by some of the Indians north of the Ohio ? What was 
done by Congress ? Give an account of Harmer's expedition. — 5. Who was next sent 
against the Indians ? Who was the leading spirit of the Indians ? Describe Little Turtle. 
What plan did he lay? Give an account of St. Clair's defeat. — 6. Who was intrusted 
with the command of the third expedition ? What nick -name had General Wayne gained 



1T9?] JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 147 

iQ the Revolution ? Give an account of Wayne's movements. What was the result ? 
What is Wayne said to have told the Indians? — 7. When Washington's four years ex- 
pired, who was elected President ? What is said of the opposition to the President ? — 8. 
By what was Washington troubled, early in his second term ? Give an account of the 
Whisliey Rebellion. — 9. What other troubles arose ? How did Washington meet them 
all ? What did some want him to do ? What did others say ? What did Washington 
prudently do ? Meanwhile, what was the state of the country ? What havfi, from time 
to time, been formed ? 



LESSOlf XLIY. 

JOHX ADAMS.-THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



1. "Washington would not serve a third term, and John Adams 
was elected to succeed him as President. Adams was one of the 
greatest of our early statesmen. During the Eevolution, he went 
to France as ambassador. The vessel that took him over gave bat- 
tle to a British man-of-war, Mr. Adams having first promised that 
he would stay in the cabin during the action. For some time he 
kept his word, but at last he could stand it no longer. Seizing a 
musket, he rushed on deck, and the captain soon found him loading 
and firing with the rest. The captain reminded him of his promise 
and ordered him below. Mr. Adams refused to go ; and the captain 
had to carry him down by force. 

2. A difiiculty with the French arose in Adams' term. Tliey 
had an unpleasant way of seizing American vessels. President 
Adams determined to put a stop to this, and made ready for war. 
Several actions took place between French and American vessels in 
consequence of these outrages. In one of these, a French frigate 
was taken by the Constellation. Lieutenant Rodgers was sent on 
board with twelve men to take command of the prize and transfer 
her crew to the Constellation. 



148 JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. [1799 

3. Eefore this could be done, a storm separated ih.e two vessels. 
Rodgers and Ms twelve men were now in great danger. There were 
nearly two himdred French sailors on board of the prize, and they 
might rise and retake the vessel. To guard against this, Eodgers 
at once ordered all the prisoners below, and placed guards to shoot 
down any that should come on deck. After three days of fearful 
anxiety, during which he did not sleep a wink, he succeeded in get- 
ting his prize safe into port. 

4. Towards the close of the year 1799, the whole nation was 
plunged in grief by the news that their beloved Washington was 
no more. He died of fever, brought on by exposure to a slight 
rain. As his end approached, he said to his physician, " I am not 
afraid to die." He felt that he had served his country faithfully, 
and that country will never forget his services. 

5. In 1800, Congress met for the first time at the city of "Wash- 
ington, which has ever since been the capital of the United States. 
Washington lies on the Potomac River, in a small tract called the 
District of Columbia. Tliis tract was presented to the general gov- 
ernment by Maryland. It was at first a wilderness, through which 
one might travel for miles without meeting a human being. But it 
has changed wonderfully since then. Thriving farms and pleasant 
country-seats now dot its surface. Washington has become a large 
city, and is adorned with fine public buildings. Among these are 
the President's residence, which you often hear called " the wiiite 
house ", and the Capitol, a large building in which Congress meets. 

6. After John Adams had served four years (1T9T-1801), Thomas 
Jefiferson was elected President. It was he that drew up the Dec- 
laration of Independence. One of the most important events dur- 
ing his term of oflice was the purchase of Louisiana from the French. 
Napoleon, then at the head of affairs in France, at first intended to 



1804] THE PHILADELPHIA BURNED. I49 

plant a large colony there. But, a quarrel breaking out with Eng- 
land, he needed all the men and money he could raise. So he sold 
Louisiana to the United States for fifteen millions of dollars, part 
of which was to be paid to those Americans whose property had 
been seized by French cruisers upon the ocean. 

7. In the north of Africa, on the Mediterranean Sea, lie what 
are called the Barbary States. For a long time they were the home 
of pirates, who used to scour the sea, capture merchant- vessels, and 
sell their crews into slavery. For a while the United States paid a 
yearly tribute to secure its vessels from these outrages. But at 
last the pirates became so insolent that a fleet was sent out under 
Commodore Preble to punish them. 

8. While reconnoitring the harbor of Trip'-o-li, the Philadelphia, 
one of the American vessels, struck on a rock. She was immedi- 
ately taken by the Tripolitans. But Lieutenant De-ca'-tur, one of 
the bravest officers in the service, resolved they should not 
long enjoy their triumph. One evening, in a little vessel disguised 
as a coaster, he boldly sailed up to the Philadelphia, and asked per- 
mission to moor his boat beside her. Before the Tripolitans found 
out what was going on, he and his men were on board. After dri- 
ving off the pirates, they set the ship on fire and made good their 
retreat. 

9. Soon after this, the Americans attacked the Tripolitan fleet 
and bombarded the city. The gallant Decatur again fought like a 
lion. In boarding one of the enemy's boats, he was met by the 
captain, and a desperate struggle ensued. While they were thus 
engaged, another Tripolitan rushed up with drawn sw^ord and was 
about to despatch Decatur, when a gallant sailor saved his life by 
interposing his person and receiving the blow himself. After being 
pretty severely handled, the bashaw of Tripoli thought it best to 



150 



JEFFERSON'S ADMIXISTRATION. 



[ISOl 



come to terms. For some years after this, the American flag was 
treated with respect. 




Eeuben James saving Decatur's Life. 



Questions. — 1. Who succeeded Washington as President ? What is said of John 
Adams.? Relate what happened to Mr. Adams when he was going to France as ambassa- 
dor. — 2. What difficulty arose in Adams' term ? What occasioned it ? What took place 
in consequence of these outrages ? What was the result of one of these actions ? — S. 
Tell the story of Lieutenant Rodgers and his twelve men. — 4, Towards the close of H'ZQ, 
what news plunged the nation in grief? Of what did Washington die ? What did he 
say to his physician? — 5. Where did Congress meet in 1800? How is Washington 
situated ? How did the general government obtain the District of Columbia ? Describe 
the District as it was. What changes have taken place in the District and in Washington 
City ? — 6. Who succeeded John Adams ? What is Jefferson noted for having drawn up ? 
What was one of the most important events during his term ? State the circumstances 
under which Louisiana was bought. How much was given for it ? — '7. Where do the Bar- 
bary States lie ? Of whom were they long the home ? What led to a war with Tripoli ? 



1805] AARON BURR. 151 

— 8. What befell the Philadelphia? What gallant exploit was performed by Decatur in 
connection with this vessel ? — 9. What did the Americans do soon after this ? Tell the 
story about Decatur. What was the result of the war ? 



LESSOX XLY. 

JEFPEESON'S SECOND TERM.-JAMES MADISON. 

1. On the 4tli of March, 1805, Jefferson entered on his second 
term. Aaron Burr, who had been Yice-president, was not re-elect- 
ed. Burr was disappointed, and, journeying through the west, he 
gave out that he was engaged in some great scheme, and tried to 
induce the leading men to johi him. "What his scheme was, 
never was known. It is thought that he proposed separating 
the west from the rest of the Union and placing himself at its head. 

2. Hearing that he had enlisted several thousand men in his en- 
terprise, the President in 1807 had Burr arrested on a charge of 
treason. He was committed to jail ; and this great man, who had 
been Yice-president, slept for a time in a blanket on the floor among 
the common criminals. He was tried and acquitted. But people 
generally believed him guilty ; and, though he was one of the best 
orators and lawyers in the country, he was shunned by all. 

3. West of the Bocky Mountains, on the Pacific, lay a province 
of Mexico called California. North of this was an extensive tract, 
now forming the state of Oregon and the territory of Washington. 
Little or nothing was known of this region ; and, during Jefi'erson's 
term, a party of soldiers and hunters was sent out to explore it. 
They were gone two years, and met with many adventures. They 
travelled six thousand miles, and thoroughly explored the valley 
of the great Columbia Biver. 

4. Jefferson's second term was distinguished by one of the gi'eat- 



152 JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1807 



est inventions ever made, — that of the steamboat. When you see 
our rivers covered with floating palaces, remember that the first 
steamboat in the world was made by Robert Fulton, a Pennsylva- 
nian, and plied on the Hudson River in 1807. It made the trip 
between New York and Albany in thirty-six hours, and was a great 
improvement on the river sloops, which took a week or more to 
perform the passage. This little boat of Fulton led the way for the 
splendid steamers that have since become so common. 

5. Great Britain still seemed to feel sore at the loss of her colo- 
nies. She was the strongest of all countries on the ocean, and took 
advantage of her power to stop American vessels and search them. 
She claimed the right of seizing British seamen, wherever they 
could be found, and carrying them off to serve on her own ships. 
And, worst of all, she took the liberty of deciding for herself who 
were British seamen, and sometimes seized Americans instead. 

6. The American vessels were often too weak to resist. This 
was the case with the Chesapeake. Sailing out of port, unprepared 
for battle, she was overhauled by a British ship, which fired on 
her, killed several of her crew, and carried off four men claimed as 
deserters. This news produced great excitement throughout the 
country. But the British were not always so fortunate. Several 
years after this, the Little Belt gave chase to the American ship 
President. After a time, however, she changed her course, and 
then it was the President's turn to chase. The Little Belt com- 
menced the action as the American ship approached, but soon gave 
it up with the loss of thirty men. 

T. It was clear that unless such outrages ceased war would fol- 
low. In the midst of the excitement, Jefferson's second term ex- 
pired. He was succeeded by James Madison. Madison served 
two terms, from 1800 to 1817. They were signalized by two wars: 



1810] MORE INDIAN DIFFICULTIES. 153 

one with the Indians of tlie west, and the other with Great 
Britain. 

8. The west w^as now rapidly filling up with settlers. The In- 
dians, again alarmed and forgetting the lesson Wayne had tanght 
them, were ready once more to dig up the tomahawk against the 
United States. At their head w^as Tecumseh, the most formidable 
Indian warrior that ever fought against our country, crafty, elo- 
quent, and a giant in strength. Tecumseh's brother was a noted 
prophet, and both had great influence among the frontier tribes. 
They refused to keep the treaty that had been made with the United 
States, and planned a general rising against the whites. 

9. British agents encouraged Tecumseh and his brother to carry 
out their scheme. The Indians generally were ready to listen to 
them. While Tecumseh was away, visiting distant tribes, the 
prophet's head-quarters were fixed at the mouth of the Tippecanoe 
River, in what is now the western part of Indiana. Here his fol- 
lowers gathered around him and built a town. 

Questions. — 1. When did JefFerson commence Ins second term? What is said of 
Aaron Burr? What is Burr's scheme thought to have been? — 2. How did the President 
put a stop to Burr's movements? What change of fortune is alluded to? How did 
Burr's trial result ? — 3. What lay west of the Rocky Mountains, on the Pacific ? What lay 
north of California ? What measures were tiiken to explore this region ? What is said 
of the exploring party? — 4. By what was Jefferson's second term distinguished? By 
whom was the first steamboat constructed ? Where did it ply ? How did its speed 
compare with that of the river sloops ? For what did this little boat of Fulton lead the 
way ? — 5. What arrogant claim did Great Britain make and act upon, to the injury of 
American commerce ? — G. Give an account of the outrage committed on the Chesapeake. 
What took place between the Little Belt and the President? — 7. In the midst of the ex- 
citement, who became President ? How long did Madison serve ? By what was his ad- 
ministration signalized? — 8. What troubles assumed a threatening aspect in the west? 
Who was at the head of the Indians ? What is said of Tecumseh ? Of his brother ? 
What did they do ? — 9. Where did the prophet fix his head-quarters ? 



154 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1810 



LESSON XLVI. 

BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE.-WAR WITH ENGLAND. 



^ 




President's House, Washington City, District of Columbia. 

1. The territoiy of Indiana was at tliis time governed bj "Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, afterwards President of the United States. 
The crafty Tecumseh thought he would commence the war by stri- 
king a blow at Governor Harrison. So, going to the capital of the 
territory with several hundred W' arriors, he asked for an interview. 
On a given signal, his men were to fall upon the whites who were 
present, and let none escape. Governor Harrison met him as de- 
sired, but, suspecting treachery, took such precautions that Tecum- 
seh, bold as he was, durst not give the signal. 



1811] BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 155 

2. Tecumseli had all the pride of his race. At a meeting be- 
tween him and Harrison, a chair was placed for him by the inter- 
preter, wdio said, as he offered it, " Yom- father [meaning Harrison] 
requests you to take a cliair." " The sun is my father," replied Te- 
cumseh, proudly, " and the earth is my mother ; on her bosom will 
I repose." And, wrapping his blanket round him, he sat down on 
the ground. 

3. "Wishing to unite the Red Men in one common cause, Tecum- 
seli visited the Creeks, who lived in Alabama and Georgia. Many 
of them listened to him and promised their aid. But the United 
States was on its guard. Before the Creeks could take the field, 
and while Tecumseh himself was absent, an army under General 
Harrison approached the Tippecanoe River. They intended destroy- 
ing the prophet's town, unless a satisfactory treaty was signed. 

4. Here Harrison was met by several Indian ambassadors, who 
said that their nation desired peace, and would sign a treaty on tlie 
next day. That very night the w^ar- whoop was suddenly heard, 
and the army was attacked by savages on every side. Harrison, 
however, was prepared. He had directed his men to encamp in 
order of battle, and now he hurried from one point to another, urg- 
ing them to stand their ground till daylight. 

5. The Indians, hidden in the long prairie-grass, poured in a 
deadly fire with the rifle. They had chewed their bullets, so that 
they would tear the flesh, and every volley they fired caused the 
wounded to scream with pain. Yery few of Harrison's men had 
been in battle before ; still, throughout that terrible night, they 
kept their line unbroken. When day dawned, they charged the 
savages. The latter fought desperately. Their prophet had assured 
them that they would gain the battle, and they believed him. But 
prophets sometimes make mistakes, and so they found in this case. 



156 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1811 

6. A vigorous charge drove tlie Indians from their cover. Tliey 
fled in all directions. The prophet's town was destroyed, and the 
army returned in triumph. General Harrison was as merciful as 
he was brave. Shortly before the battle, a negro deserter, who 
had been hired by the Indians to murder the general, was seized 
while lying hidden near his tent. He was condemned to death, and 
secured, till the sentence could be carried out, by fastening his feet, 
like a wedge, between the sides of a log that had been partially split. 

T. As he thus lay, he kept his eyes sadly fixed on the general. 
Harrison's feelings were moved. He could not bear to have the 
negro executed, and asked his officers to pardon him. They were 
unwilling to do so. They felt that the wicked man deserved to die. 
Yet, when their general, who had the greatest cause to condemn 
him, pleaded in his favor, they could not refuse, and the w^retched 
negro was sjjared. 

8. Hardly were these Indian troubles over when the difficulty 
with Great Britain became more serious than ever. She refused to 
give up any of her claims. She would search American vessels 
whenever she saw fit. Tliis settled the question. Henry Clay, John 
C. Calhoun, and other great statesmen then in Congress, said that 
it would be wrong for America to submit any longer. Accordingly 
w^ar was declared against Great Britain. This is generally called 
the War of 1812, because it commenced in that year. 

Questions. — 1. Who was governor of the territory of Indiana at this time? How 
did Tecumseh think he would commence the war? How did Harrison defeat his 
treacherous plan? — 2. Relate an anecdote illustrative of the pride of Tecumseh. — 3. 
Whom did Tecumseh try to bring over to his plans ? How did he succeed ? How was 
this movement defeated ? Where is the Tippecanoe River? — 4. Who met Harrison at 
this point ? What did the ambassadors say ? What took place that very night ? — 5. 
Give an account of the battle of Tippecanoe. What made the Indians fight with such 
desperate courage ? — 6, 7. What was the issue of the batle? Tell a story illustrative of 



1812] HULL'S SURRENDER. U1 

General Harrison's merciful disposition, — 8. What followed these Indian troubles? "What 

position was taken by Clay, Calhoun, and others ? Accordingly, what was done ? What 
is this war called, and wny ? 



LESSOR XLYII. 

EEVEESE9 ON LAND: TRIUMPHS ON THE OCEAN. 

1. The United States does not keep a great army all tlie time 
ready, as European countries do. When, therefore, war was de- 
clared, there was much to prepare. Those who had charge of affairs 
knew but little of war ; and hence some mistakes were made at 
first, and some reverses suffered. The first thing proposed was an 
invasion of Canada. To carry this out, a few regular soldiers and 
some volunteers from Ohio were placed under the command of 
General Hull, the governor of Michigan. 

2. Hull led his men across into Canada from Detroit. But he 
marched so slowly that before he reached the first British fort the 
Canadian militia were in arms. Tecumseh and his warriors lost no 
time in joining the enemy and cutting off the supplies of the Amer- 
icans. A British army was also on the march against them. So, 
instead of attacking the fort, Hull turned round and marched back 
as fast as he could. The British followed, crossed the river, and 
appeared in full force before Detroit. 

3. The Americans were well posted and were all ready to re- 
ceive the British with grape-shot as they approached. What was 
their indignation, when they saw a white flag displayed above the 
fort ! Hull had become frightened, and raised the flag as a signal 
of surrender. His men wept as they saw it, but there was no rem- 
edy. Not only Detroit, with its garrison, but also the whole of 
Michigan, was given up to the enemy. Hull was afterwards tried. 



153 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1812 

He was found gnilty of cowardice and sentenced to be shot, but was 
pardoned by the President. 

4. Shortly after this, a body of militia gathered on the frontier 
of [N'ew York. Their design was to cross the Niagara Kiver, which 
separates New York from Canada, and attack the British at Queens- 
town. Some boats having been procured, the first division of the 
army crossed. They gallantly drove the enemy from their batteries 
and seized the heights. But a fresh British army was approaching, 
and it was necessary to bring over the rest of the men. To the dis- 
may of their officers and their own disgrace, they refused to move. 
The sight of their wounded comrades, who had been brought back, 
had dampened their courage. 

5. Thus abandoned by their companions, the Americans who 
had crossed, after holding out as long as they could, surrendered. 
Nothing more w^as attempted at that time on the frontier. Both 
invasions of Canada had failed. Some glorious victories on the 
ocean, however, made up for these reverses on land. Little was ex- 
pected of our infant navy, when matched against Great Britain, the 
powerful mistress of the sea. But courage and will often make up 
for want of strength. 

6. One of the greatest naval victories of the Americans was 
gained by Captain Isaac Hull, in the frigate Constitution. After 
being chased by a British squadron four days, and escaping by his 
good management, Hull fell in with the Guerriere [gare-e-are^]. 
This vessel was one of the finest in the British navy. She had long 
been on the look-out for " Yankee craft ", and expected to make 
short work of the Constitution. But Hull's broadsides soon made 
her lower her flag. She was so much injured that he could not take 
her into port, and the next day he blew her up. 

7. Victories were also gained by the Essex, the President, and 



IS12] AMERICAN TRIUMPHS ON THE OCEAN. 159 

tlie Argus. The Wasp, Captain Jones, had a sharp conflict with 
the British brig Frolic. Having brought his vessel so close to the 
Frolic that in loading his rammers touched her side, Jones ordered 
his men to board. They found the deck a scene of carnage. Only 
three officers remained there, and one old sailor, coolly seated at the 
helm. Before Jones could secure his prize, a British seventy-four 
came along and captured both vessels. 

8. The same brave Decatur who had distinguished himself in 
the Tripolitan war, now commanded the frigate United States. He 
succeeded in capturing the British vessel Macedonian. Late in the 
year, another great victory was won by the Constitution, now com- 
manded by Commodore Bainbridge, over the British frigate Java. 
The Java had to be blown up, but her wheel was first taken out, 
to replace that of th^ Constitution, which was damaged in the 
action. 

9. Long after the war, a British officer visited the Constitution. 
When asked his opinion of her, he replied that she was a fine vessel 
in every respect, except that her wheel was clumsy. " Yes," re- 
plied the captain, " it is clumsy. It is the old wheel of the Java, 
which we put in, and have kept ever since as a trophy of the vie- 
tory." 

Questions. — 1. "What disadvantage did the United States now labor under? What 
was the first thing proposed ? Who was intrusted with the invasion of Canada ? — 2. 
Give an account of Hull's movements. What led him to march back without attacking 
the fort ? What was then done by the British ?— 3. What took place at Detroit ? What 
did the British gain by this surrender? What afterwards became of Hull ? — 4. What 
movement was made shortly after this in New York ? "What was done by the first 
division of the army ? How was their success turned into defeat ? — 5. What made up 
for these reverses ? — 6. By whom was one of the greatest naval victories of the Ameri- 
cans gained ? Give an account of the action between the Constitution and the Guerriere. 
— 7. By what other vessels were victories'gained ? Give an account of the engagement 
between the "Wasp and the Frolic. What prevented the Wasp from securing her prize ? 



160 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1812 



— 8. What vessel did Decatur now command ? What vessel did he capture ? What 
other great victory was won? What was done with the Java? What was first taken 
out of her ? — 9. Relate an anecdote about this wheel of the Java. 



LESSOR XLYIII. 

THE WAR IN THE NOETH-WEST. 




The Capitol, Washington City, District of Columbia. 

1. One great cause of the defeats of the Americans in the north- 
west had been the neglect of Congress to provide a suitable army. 
It was still backward in acting. There were some who openly op- 
posed the war, and said the President ought not to be supported in 
it. The frontier, however, now lay open to the British, and it was 
necessary for something to be done. A body of volunteers from 



1812] BATTLE OF FRENCHTOWN". 161 

Kentucky had already taken tlie field, and General Harrison, the 
hero of Tippecanoe, was appointed to their command. 

2. Harrison's object was to recover Detroit, but his march lay 
through swamps that seemed almost endless, and when winter set 
in he was still some distance off. He had, therefore, to wait for 
spring. The army went into winter-quarters in two divisions, one 
under Harrison himself, the other under General Winchester. Du- 
ring the winter, Winchester, hearing that Frenchtown, a post to the 
north, was in danger, advanced to its aid and dispersed a body of 
the enemy. But he was very soon attacked by a large force of Brit- 
ish and Indians under Proctor. 

3. During the battle. General Winchester himself was captured 
by a famous Indian chief called Round Head. Delighted with the 
uniform of his prisoner, Eound Head stripped him of it without 
delay, and putting it on himself was soon strutting about the field 
as proudly as a peacock. Proctor, shortly afterwards passing the 
spot, was surprised to see the American general shivering half naked 
over a fire, for it was bitterly cold. It was with great difiiculty he 
could make Pound Head give up his borrowed plumes. 

4. Though their general was a prisoner, part of the Americans 
still held out. At length a letter was sent them by Winchester, 
recommending them to lay down their arms. Tliey did so, on re- 
ceiving a pledge from Proctor that their lives and property should 
be spared. But no sooner had they surrendered, than Proctor, 
with his British troops and such of the prisoners as could walk, re- 
turned to Canada, leaving the sick and wounded Americans behind, 
with no one to protect them from his Indian allies. You know the 
mercy of the savages. Few of the sufi'erers escaped the flames and 
the tomahawk. So much was the pledge of Proctor worth. , 

5. Proctor now thought he was sure of crushing Harrison also. 

11 



162 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1818 

As soon as the weather allowed, he was on the march for the Amer- 
ican camp. But Harrison had not been idle. "Weakened as he 
was by the loss of Winchester's division, he could not hope to take 
Detroit, but he resolved to hold his ground. Accordingly, he com- 
menced a fort in what is now the north-western part of Ohio, and 
kept his men at work night and day that it might be ready for the 
foe. He had no time to spare. Proctor and Tecumseh soon ap- 
peared before Fort Meigs [inegz]^ as this post was called, and sum- 
moned the garrison to surrender. " Not while I have the honor to 
command," was Harrison's brief answer. 

6. The attack was pushed with vigor. The Indians even climbed 
into trees overhanging the fort, that they might pick off the men. 
Harrison himself, as he moved around giving his orders, was fre- 
quently shot at. Once a ball struck a bench on which he was sit- 
ting, and at another time a soldier was killed by his side. He re- 
ceived no harm, however, but baffled every effort of the enemy. 

Y. !N"ews was now received that a body of Kentuckians was near 
at hand, hastening to relieve the fort. Harrison sent word to them 
to attack one division of the enemy, while a detachment from the 
fort fell upon another. The sally from the fort w^as successful, but 
those who were advancing for its relief lost more than half their 
number, the greater part of whom were captured. Proctor allowed 
the prisoners to be treated so cruelly that even Tecumseh rebuked 
him. Finding they could make no impression on Fort Meigs, in a 
few days both British and Indians gave up the siege. 

8. During the year 1813, the Americans gained some more bril- 
liant victories on the ocean. Commodore Porter distinguished him- 
self by a successful cruise in the Pacific, in the course of which he 
took twelve armed whalers. Captain Lawrence, after taking two 
prizes in the Hornet, was appointed to the command of the Chesa- 



1813] CAPTURE OF THE CHESAPEAKE. 163 

peake. In this vessel lie met with a sad reverse. The Chesapeake 
was poorly equipped, and was taken by the British frigate Shannon. 
Lawrence himself was mortally wounded. " Don't give up the 
ship," said he to his men as he was carried below. Even at that 
trying moment his thoughts were on his country. 

Questions. — 1. What had been one great cause of the defeats of the Americans? 
What spirit was still displayed by Congress? What did some maintain? Who had 
already taken the field ? Who was appointed to command them ? — 2. What was Harri- 
son's object? What prevented him from accomplishing it? How was the army divided 
for the winter ? What was done by General Winchester ? By whom was he attacked ? 
— 3. What befell Winchester during the battle ? Tell the story about Round Head and 
Winchester. — i. How were the Americans induced to surrender ? How was Proctor's 
pledge kept ? — 5. What did Proctor now think ? What had Harrison been doing ? Who 
soon appeared before Fort Meigs ? What was Harrison's answer, when summoned to 
surrender? — 6. Give an account of the attack. — Y. What news was now received? What 
orders were given by Harrison ? What was the result of these movements ? How were 
the prisoners treated ? How did the attack on Fort Meigs terminate ? — 8. What success 
did the Americans meet with on the ocean in 1813? How did Commodore Porter dis- 
tinguish himself? What success did Captain Lawrence meet with in the Hornet? What 
befell him in the Chesapeake ? What was his last order as he was carried below ? 



LESSOX XLIL 

PIKE'S EXPEDITION.— FORT STEPHENSON.— LAKE EEIE. 

1. Tlie invasion of Canada from the Kew York frontier, in 1812, 
had failed. But this did not prevent General Pike from attempting 
it the next year. With a body of men raised for the purpose, he 
made a descent on the capital of Upper Canada. This lay on the 
shore of Lake Ontario. It was then called York, but the name has 
since been changed to Toronto. Landing in the face of a heavy 
fire, the Americans took the enemies' redoubt, and advanced to 



16i MADISON'S ADMINISTRATIOX. [1813 

within a short distance of their barracks, which seemed to be 
abandoned. 

2. It was well they stopped where they did, for in a few moments 
a terrible explosion took place. Logs and stones were hurled high 
in the air. The British had lighted a slow match before they re- 
tired, and thus blown up their own magazine. Several hundred of 
the Americans were more or less injured. Tlie rest pushed on after 
the British, and took a number of them prisoners, York, with a 
large amount of stores, fell into their hands. 

3. General Pike was struck down by the explosion. As he lay 
dying on the field, he heard the victorious shouts of his men. 
One of his officers asked if he could do anything for him. " Place 
the enemy's flag under my head," said he. As it was done, his eye 
lighted up with triumph, and he expired without a groan. After 
this, the American army took the British posts on the Niagara 
Piver. They were abandoned by the enemy, who fell back to the 
heights west of Lake Ontario. 

4. Sackett's Harbor, in the state of !N"ew York, was the chief 
naval station of the Americans on Lake Ontario. This place, left 
almost undefended, was attacked by a party of the enemy from 
across the lake. They were driven back by the militia under 
General Brown, During the attack, one of the British officers, 
Captain Gray, was shot down by an American boy, who had been 
a servant in his family in Canada. After the battle, the boy went to 
his former master, and asked his forgiveness. Captain Gray was 
dying from the effects of the wound, but gave the boy his watch as 
a token that he forgave him with his whole heart. 

5. After his disappointment at Fort Meigs, Proctor turned his 
arms against another post at no great distance from it. This was 
Fort Stephenson, commanded by Major Croghan Icrog^-aTi], a youth 



1813] SIEGE OF FORT STEPHENSON. 165 

of twenty-one. Proctor summoned the garrison to surrender, if 
they wished to escape being massacred by the Indians when the 
fort was taken. Croghan replied that the fort would not be taken 
till all the garrison had fallen, and therefore a massacre could do 
them no harm. The British at once opened a brisk cannonade. 

6. Croghan had but one cannon. To make the enemy believe 
he had more, he fired it first from one point of the fort and then 
from another. After a while he saw the British gathering for an 
attack. Loading his single cannon to the muzzle, he brought it to 
bear upon them, and quietly awaited their approach. They were 
soon within thirty feet. At this moment the cannon was fired. 
Whole ranks were swept down, and a deadly volley from the 
muskets of the garrison followed. A retreat was ordered, and the 
next day the siege was abandoned. 

7. In the summer of 1813, Commodore Perry was sent to Lake 
Erie. The British had command of the lake, and Perry was sent 
to take it from them. Tlie United States had no vessels there. 
But there were plenty of trees growing on the shore, and out of 
these Perry built his own vessels. He soon had a little fleet ready, 
and stood out to give battle to the British. Many Indians were 
gathered on an island in the lake, to see the engagement. 

8. As soon as the British were ready, they sailed out of port to 
meet the Americans. The action was a hot one. Perry's flag-ship 
engaged the two largest vessels of the enemy and was badly cut 
up. Leaping into a boat, Perry then made for another of his 
vessels. As he passed within pistol-shot of the enemy, he stood 
proudly erect, heeding not the balls that fell around him. To the 
wondei of all, he reached the deck of the Niagara iminjured, and 
the battle was renewed. 

9. Tlie breeze now freshened. Perry took advantage of it to 



166 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1813 

plunge through the enemy's line, and give a raking fire right and 
left. This decided the day. The British commander hauled down 
his colors and surrendered his fleet. The number of prisoners 
taken was greater than that of Perry's men who survived the 
battle. 

10. Perry was a man of few words. He announced his glorious 
victory to General Harrison in the following brief despatch : " We 
have met the enemy, and they are ours — two ships, two brigs, one 
schooner, and a sloop." Men who do much, can afford to say little. 

Questions. — 1. Who invaded Canada from the New York frontier in 1813 ? On what 
place did he make a descent ? Give an account of the first movements of the Americans. 
— 2. What took place when they were within a short distance of the British barracks ? 
Describe the effects of this explosion. What was done by the Americans who were 
uninjured ? — 3. What befell General Pike ? Give an account of his dying moments. 
What were next taken by the Americans ? Where did the British retire ? — 4. Give an ac- 
count of the descent of the British on Sackett's Harbor. What incident is mentioned in 
connection with this battle ? — 5. After leaving Fort Meigs, what place did Proctor attack ? 
Who commanded Fort Stephenson ? What was Proctor's summons to surrender, and 
how did Croghan answer it. — 6. Give an account of the attack and defence of this post. 
What was the result? — 7. In the summer of 1813, who was sent to Lake Erie ? For what 
purpose ? Where did Perry get his vessels ? Where were a number of Indians assem- 
bled ? — 8. Give an account of the action. When Perry's flag-ship was disabled, what 
bold manoeuvre did he perform ? — 9. What movement of Perry's decided the day ? What 
did the British commander do ? What is said of the number of prisoners taken ? — 10. 
How did Perry announce his victory to General Harrison ? 



LESSOI^ L. 

HAEEISON'S INVASION OF CANADA.— CEEEK WAE. 

1. The British were dismayed at Perry's victory. General 
Harrison at once followed it up with an invasion of Canada. 
Proctor and Tecumseh had hastily retreated. Harrison overtook 



1813] BATTLE OF THE THAMES. IQI 

them at the Thames \temz] Kiver. He found the British drawn np 
on a strip of land between the river and a swamp, held by Tecum- 
seh and his warriors. In extending his line across this strip, Proctor 
had weakened it too much. Observing this, Harrison directed 
Colonel Johnson to charge the enemy's front with his Kentucky 
horsemen. 

2. The order was gallantly obeyed. The Kentuckians forced 
their way completely through the British ranks, and formed in the 
rear. The enemy, thus finding themselves between two fires, threw 
down their arms. Proctor escaped only by the sw^iftness of his 
horse. The Indians were now to be dislodged from the swamp. 
Again the fearless Kentuckians advanced to the charge. They 
were warmly received, and many a saddle was emptied. But, while 
the battle was at its height, Tecumseh received a bullet in his breast. 

3. The chief had expected it. " My body," said he, before the 
action commenced, " will remain on the field of battle." Stepping 
forward, he gave his last command, and fell dead at the foot of a 
tree. His men were seized with horror. The chief who had so 
often led them to victory was no more. They threw away their 
arms and fled. The battle of the Tliames was won. Michigan was 
recovered. The western frontier was safe. 

4. The Creeks had not forgotten Tecumseh's eloquent harangues. 
In the summer of 1813, a league was formed against the United 
States by a number of southern tribes. The settlers in what is now 
Alabama became alarmed and took refuge in the nearest forts. The 
crafty Wetherford was at the head of the Creeks. He commenced 
the war with a cruel blow at the whites. Lurking around Fort 
Mimms till he found the gates unguarded, he and his Creeks rushed 
in, set fire to the buildings, and massacred all, men, women, and 
children, without mercy. 



1C8 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1813 



5. A large force was at once called into tlie field to avenge tMs 
massacre. The Tennesseeans reached the ground first. They were 
commanded by Andrew Jackson, a man of iron will, whom the In- 
dians called " the Sharp Knife ". Jackson and his men lost no time 
in attacking the Creek villages. The Indians fought desperately, 
trusting to the magic spells of their " medicine-men ". But they 
found that magic availed little against lead and steel. They were 
defeated in every battle with great loss. 

6. Before long, Jackson's men began to suffer from want of food. 
Tlieir supplies failed to arrive. They could find nothing to eat in 
the wilderness but acorns. For a time they bore their hardships 
patiently, but at last they declared they would remain no longer. 
They had already commenced their march for home, when Jackson 
appeared before them on horseback. His left arm, which had been 




yf..^.tyoj!jr^ y^ 



Jackson quelling a Mutiny among his Troops. 



1813] THE CREEK WAR. 169 

shattered by a bullet, was in a sling. His riglit hand grasped a 
musket, and he warned them that he would shoot down the first 
man that advanced another step. The men knew he would keep 
his word, and, ashamed of their mutiny, one after another, they 
returned to duty. 

Y. About this time, another invading army reached what the 
Creeks called their heloved ground. Tliis they regarded as sacred, 
and their prophet had made them believe that here no foe could 
harm them. They fought long and well, but were again defeated 
with heavy loss. In the spring of 1814, Jackson put an end to the 
war by a decisive victory. A great number of Creeks, with their 
women and children, had gathered in the bend of a river, and thrown' 
up a breastwork of logs for their defence in front. They were here 
totally defeated. Tlieir prophet was killed aiid the power of their 
nation destroyed. 

8. Immediately after this battle, Jackson was sitting alone in 
his tent at sunset, when a noble-looking Indian entered. " I am 
TVetherford," said he. " My people are all gone. My warriors can 
no longer hear my voice. I have come to ask peace for myself and 
the few that remain. You are a brave man. I rely upon your 
generosity." TVetherford's request was granted. He was allowed 
to go back to the forest to collect his scattered countrymen, and 
through his influence a treaty was made by the surviving Creeks 
with the United States. 

9. In one of the battles with the Creeks, an Indian mother was 
among the slain. An infant boy was found upon her breast. He 
was brought to the camp, and Jackson tried to find a nurse for him 
among the Indian women who had been taken. But they turned 
away, saying, " His mother is dead ; let the child die too." ISTot 
so thought the tender-hearted general. Amid all the labors of the 



lYO MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1813 

camp, lie found time to feed him with his own hands. The orphan 
grew to be a beautiful and promising youth, and Jackson, who was 
childless, adopted him. But, before he reached manhood, he fell a 
victim to consumption. 

10. From boyhood Andrew Jackson had displayed a noble 
spirit. When only thirteen years old, he shouldered a musket in 
the Revolutionary War. In a skirmish with the British, he was 
taken prisoner. To break the spirit of the young rebel, the British 
leader ordered him to clean his boots. Andrew refused, when the 
cowardly officer drew his sword, and aimed a blow at his head. 
Andrew saved his life by catching the blow on his left arm ; but 
he received a wound which left a scar that he carried to the grave. 
You will learn how he afterwards paid back the British for this 
blow. 

Questions. — 1. How did Harrison follow up Perry's victory ? What had Proctor and 
Tecumseh done ? Where did Harrison overtake them ? How were the British posted? 
What mistake had Proctor made ? How did Harrison avail himself of it ? — 2. Give an 
account of the charge of the Kentuckians. What was its effect ? Whom did the Ken- 
tuckians next charge ? How were they received ? — 3. Give an account of the fall of 
Tecumseh. What followed ? — 4. What took place among the Creeks in the summer of 
1813? What did the settlers in Alabama do? How did Wetherford commence the 
war? — 5. What measures were taken to avenge this massacre ? Who reached the ground 
first ? By whom were the Tennesseeans commanded ? What success did they have ? — 6. 
From what did Jackson's men begin to suffer ? What did this lead them to do ? How 
did Jackson quell the mutiny ? — 1. Give an account of the defeat of the Creeks on their 
beloved ground. When and how did Jackson put an end to the war ? — 8. What took 
place immediately after this battle? What passed between Wetherford and Jackson? 
What was the result? — 9. Kelate the incident connected with the' Indian baby. — 10. Tell 
the story about Jackson and the British officer. 



1814] BATTLES OF CHIPPEWA AND BRIDGEWATER. l^l 



LESSOI LI. 
CLOSE OF THE WAK OF 1S12. 

1. The Americans contimied unsuccessful in their attempts 
upon Canada, till General Brown assumed the command in the 
summer of 1814. Then their fortune at once changed. Crossing 
the Niagara Eiver, BroAvn won the battle of Chippewa ; and shortly 
after again defeated the enemy, who had been reinforced, at Bridge- 
water, or Lundy's Lane, close to the Falls of Niagara. Late in the 
year, besieged in Fort Erie by a large force of British, he surprised 
them with a well-planned sally, drove them from their works with 
great loss, and compelled them to raise the siege. 

2. The battle of Bridgewater was one of the hottest actions in 
the war. General Scott, now the liead of our army, gained great 
glory in this engagement. Colonel Miller also distinguished him- 
self. He was asked if he could take a British battery which swept 
the field and threatened the Americans with destruction. " I will 
try, sir," was his reply. He tried with such good efi'ect that his 
men were soon firing on the British with their own guns. Three 
times the British endeavored to retake this battery, and three times 
they were driven back. JSTot till midnight did they give it up and 
leave the Americans in possession of the field. 

3. Li September, a powerful British army and fleet made their 
appearance on Lake Champlain, with the view of penetrating 
through New York to the Hudson Riixr. Plattsburg was the first 
point threatened. General Macomb [ma-Jcooin'] quickly called out 
the militia, enrolling even boys that were old enough to handle a 
musket. Commodore McDonough [mac-don^-o], by great exertions, 
got together a few vessels, and met the English commodore, 



172 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1814 

Downie, wlio had boasted tliat with his flag-ship alone he could 
beat the whole American squadron. But, like most boasters, 
Downie was disappointed. McDonough gained a glorious victory- 
over him at Plattsburg, and captured his whole fleet. The land 
forces, w^hich had been repulsed by the militia while the naval 
battle was going on, retreated in hot haste that same night, leaving 
great quantities of stores behind. 

4. In the summer of 1814, a British fleet appeared on the Atlan- 
tic coast, containing General Eoss and four thousand veteran troops. 
Landing not far from the city of Washington, they set out for the 
capital. A body of militia was hastily raised, and an attempt 
made to arrest the piarch of the enemy, but it was unsuccessful. 
On the evening after the battle, the British entered the capital, the 
President and many of the inhabitants having fled before them. 
Tliey set fire to the public buildings, destroyed a large amount of 
property, and then returned to their ships. 

5. Ross then thought he would treat the city of Baltimore in 
the same way, but there he found the people better prepared. The 
fort in the harbor successfully resisted the British fleet, and an army 
of ten thousand men was drawn up to oppose Boss's veterans. 
While reconnoitring the Americans, Ross himself received a mortal 
wound. His men tried to force a passage through the American 
lines, but were so warmly received that they gave up the attempt. 
The next day, they returned to their boats. Thus Baltimore es- 
caped their ravages. 

6. Late in the year, the people of "New Orleans were dismayed 
by the news that an overwhelming force of British troops was about 
to make a descent on their city. Some thought it was vain to re- 
sist, and were for surrendering without a struggle. Fortunately, at 
this time. General Jackson appeared among them. He at once 



18U] 



BRITISH ATTACK OX NEW ORLEANS. 



173 



assumed the command, erected fortifications, and drilled the militia. 
He was supported by a number of gallant Tennesseeans, unerring 
marksmen, who were ever ready to take the field at his call. The 
British landed about the middle of December, and advanced to 
within nine miles of New Orleans. 

T. After a bold night attack, in which his men behaved well, 
Jackson intrenched himself below the city, on a ditch which ex- 




— The Battle of New Orleans. 

tended from the Mississippi Kiver to a cypress swamp. The enemy 



174 MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1815 

came up and planted their batteries nearer and nearer. But tlie 
Americans, though they had only ten cannon, returned their iire 
with spirit, and inflicted far more injury than they receiyed. On 
the 8th of January, 1815, the British, led by General Pakenham, 
advanced to storm Jackson's works. Tliey found the hero ready to 
receive them. 

8. A terrible fire was poured in on the advancing ranks of the 
British, both from the American cannon and from the rifles of men 
who seldom missed their aim. The enemy wavered. Fresh troops 
came up. " See that every shot tells," thundered Jackson. Again 
the foe fell before those fatal discharges, and they retired in disor- 
der. A few crossed the ditch, but were shot down on the paraj)et. 
Pakenham himself fell. The attempt was hopeless, and the Brit- 
ish officer who succeeded to the command drew off his men, leaving 
two thousand on the field. Abandoning the attack, the British 
made for their ships as quickly as possible. The whole loss of the 
Americans was only twenty-seven men. 

9. Before the battle, Jackson had taken very decided measures 
with the people. He made some of them soldiers in spite of them- 
selves. A citizen called on him, to complain that his property had 
been seized by an officer. " Have you a musket ? " asked Jackson. 
" ]^o," answered the man. " Here,^uard," cried the general, " get 
this man a musket and put him in the ranks." He paid no atten- 
tion to the courts, and after the battle was fined a thousand dollars 
by one of them for contempt. Tlie amount was quickly raised by 
the people ; but Jackson refused to receive it, and paid the fine him- 
self. Many years afterwards, Congress refunded him the money. 

10. The battle of IS'ew Orleans closed the war. A treaty of 
peace had been signed on the 24:th of December, 1814. K the 
news had been received a little sooner, the British might have es- 



1815] RETURN OF PEACE. 175 

caped their disastrous defeat. Every one was glad when peace was 
announced. Bells were rung and flags were hoisted. Commerce 
had been almost destroyed, and all kinds of business had suffered 
much during the war. 

Questions, — 1. Under whom, and when, did the Americans begin to be successful in 
Canada ? Give an account of General Brown's movements. — 2. What is said of ^he 
battle of Bridgewater ? Who distinguished themselves in this battle ? What is related 
of Colonel Miller? — 3. What place was attacked by the British in September, 1814? 
What measures were taken for the defence of Plattsburg ? What boast had been made 
by Commodore Downie ? What was the result of the battle? — 4. Where did a British 
fleet appear in the summer of 1814? Whom did this fleet contain? Give an account 
of the descent on Washington. — 5. What city did Ross next propose to ravage? How 
was Baltimore defended ? What befell General Ross ? How did the attack terminate ? — 
6. What unpleasant news did the people of New Orleans receive ? What were some for 
doing? Who appeared among them at this time? What measures were taken by 
Jackson? By whom was Jackson supported? — 7. Where did Jackson intrench himself? 
What is said of the cannonading ? On the 8th of January, 1815, what was done by the 
British ? — 8. Describe the attempt of the British to storm Jackson's works. What 
was the issue of the battle ? What was the American loss ? — 9. Tell how Jackson made 
one of the citizens a soldier in spite of himself. Tell the story about his being fined. — 
10. How and when was the war with Great Britain terminated ? How was the news re- 
ceived ? 



LESSON LII. 

JAMES MONEOE.-JOHN QUINCT ADAMS. 

1 1. On the 4th of March, 1817, James Monroe, of Virginia, be- 
came President. During his two terms, the people began to see the 
importance of canals and railroads. Many internal improvements 
were commenced. Among these was the great Erie Canal in the 
state of l^ew York, nearly four hundred miles long. It connects 
Lake Erie, at Buffalo, with the Hudson- River, at Albany. This 
canal was building during the whole of Monroe's two terms. When 



176 MONKOE'S ADMINISTRATION. [1817 

completed, its good effects were felt throughout the north and 
west. 

2. Soon after Monroe became President, a war with the Semi- 
noles broke out. The Seminoles lived in Florida, which still be- 
longed to Spain. Set on by the Spaniards and a couple of English- 
men, they commenced robbing and murdering on the frontier of 
Georgia and Alabama. Jackson, with a body of Tennesseeans was 
sent against them, and handled them so roughly that for a while 
they let the American settlers alone. 

3. Not long after this, Spain sold Florida to the United States. 
The country was now in a thriving condition. Many emigrants 
came over from Europe. iN'o less than five new states were ad- 
mitted into the Union while Monroe was President. American 
commerce, too, was rapidly increasing. It suffered for a time from 
pirates who infested the shores of Cuba. But, thanks to the energy 
of Commodore Porter, who was sent against them, these despera- 
does were dispersed and their haunts broken up. 

4. The summer of 1824: was signalized by the arrival of La 
Fayette on a visit to the land for which he had bled. Travelling 
through the country. La Fayette found that forty years had made 
great changes in every thing but the hearts of the people. They 
still loved him as their fathers had done. He was everywhere re- 
ceived with honor as the nation's guest. At Bunker Hill he laid 
the corner-stone of the great monument, and at Mount Yernon wept 
over the dust of his beloved Washington. 

5. Monroe's second term expired on the 4th of March, 1825. 
John Quincy Adams, a son of John Adams, the second President, 
was chosen to succeed him. Mr. Adams had been minister to seve- 
ral foreign governments. He served but one term, during which 
the country continued to flourisL 



1S26] JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 1V7 

6. On the 4th of July, 1826, two of the great men of America died, 
— John Adams, the father of the President, and Thomas Jefferson. 
You remember how they had served their country ; now in a good 
old age they fell asleep, on the very day their country was cele- 
brating the birth of its freedom. The last thoughts of Adams were 
of his friend ; " Jefferson survives," said he, shortly before he ceased 
to breathe. But Jefferson was already dead. " I resign my soul to 
my God and my daughter to my country," were his last words. 

7. President Adams wanted to open roads, construct canals, im- 
prove the harbors on the coast, and make other improvements. 
He was also in favor of a tariffs that is, of laying duties on goods 
imported into the country, such as cottons, cloth, silk, iron, &c. 
He thought that a high tariff would encourage people to produce 
these goods in the United States, because they would be able to sell 
them lower than similar articles brought from abroad. But many 
opposed a tariff, because they had to pay more for then* goods in 
consequence. 

Questions. — 1. Who became President, March 4, 1817 ? What were commenced 
during his term of office? What great work was completed in 1825? What does the 
Erie Canal connect ? What is said of its eflfects ? — 2. What war broke out soon after 
Monroe became President ? Where did the Seminoles hve ? By whom were they set 
on ? Where did they begin their depredations ? Who was sent against them ? What 
was done by Jackson? — 3. Soon after this, what purchase was made by the United States ? 
What was now the condition of the country? How many states were admitted under 
Monroe ? What is said of American commerce ? By whom were the haunts of the 
pirates broken up? — 4. How was the summer of 1824 signahzed? Give an account of 
La Fayette's visit. — 5. When did Monroe's second term expire? By whom was he suc- 
ceeded? — G. What took place, July 4th, 1826 ? What were the last words of Adams? 
Of Jefferson ?— V. What was a favorite measure with President Adams? Of what else 
was he in favor? What was the argument for a high tariff? What was the argument 
against it ? 



12 



JACKSOX'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1829 



LESSOR LIII. 



ANDEEW JACKSON. 



1. In selecting tlieir next president, the people remembered one 
who had often served them, — in the Creek War, at 'New Orleans, 
against the Seminoles. You know who is meant, — ^Andrew Jack- 
son. " Hurrah for Jackson ! " was now the cry. But, like all men 
of great will, Jackson had made some enemies. So party spirit 
was very violent while he was President. The mass of the people, 
however, loved him, and he was kept in office two terms — ^from 
1829 to 1837. 

2. The north-west was now fast filling up T\^th industrious set- 
tlers. More and more every year they encroached on the hunting- 





A Prairie on Fire. 



1832] BLACK HAWK'S WAR. 179 

grounds of tlie Indians. Long trains of waggons would be seen 
winding along through the prairies, bearing the sturdy pioneer, his 
wife, his little ones, and his goods. Sometimes the long prairie 
grass would be set on fire, and then it was fortunate if the poor 
emigrants escaped. At other times they found no less fierce a foe 
in the prowling savage. The Indians would sell their lands to the 
government and agree to leave them ; yet, when it came to the 
point, they would often fight rather than do so. 

3. This was the case with the Sacs and Foxes in north-western 
Illinois. Under their chief. Black Hawk, they gave great trouble 
for a time, and kept the frontier in constant alarm. In August, 
1832, Black Hawk was taken, and the war ceased, the Indians 
agreeing to remove farther west. A body of troops sent out under 
General Scott to take part in this war suffered much from the 
cholera, which was then raging in the United States. 

4. In 1832, Congress increased the duties on imported goods. 
Tliis produced great excitement among those who opposed the tariff. 
South Carolina said that the duties should not be collected within 
her borders. Jackson said he should enforce the law, and took 
prompt measures for so doing. The difficulty was not settled till 
Congress passed a bill introduced by Henry Clay, providing for a 
gradual reduction of the tariff. 

5. Jackson was opposed to the United States Bank. He vetoed 
a bill passed by Congress to recharter it. He also drew out the 
public money from this bank, thinking it would be safer in the state 
banks. There was a great storm of excitement when he did this, 
but Jackson never swerved from what he thought was right. He 
w^as equally decided with foreign governments. France, Denmark, 
Spain, and Portugal, were compelled to pay promptly for injuries' 
done to American commerce. After this the powers of Europe 



180 JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1835 

looked on the United States with much more respect than they had 
ever done before. 

6. The Seminoles had been defeated in 1817, but not put down. 
When an attempt was made to remove them to lands west of the 
Mississippi, where they had agreed to go, thej again commenced a 
harassing warfare. United States troops were sent against them ; 
but the crafty savages laid ambuscades for them, and often suc- 
ceeded in cutting off straggling parties. Then they would flee to 
inaccessible swamps, from which they would again issue, and com- 
mit their ravages. 

7. General Scott, always called upon in time of need, was at last 
sent out to the Seminole country. Though often defeated, the In- 
dians continued the war. In 1838, it was found necessary for an 
army to penetrate to their haunts in the swamps and forests. This 
was done, but with terrible suffering to the men. A decisive battle 
was fought, in which the Seminoles suffered severely. Upon this, 
they signed a treaty with the United States. Since then, though 
less troublesome than formerly, they have from time to time ravaged 
the solitary settlements in their neighborhood. 

Questions. — 1. "Who succeeded Monroe ? How many terms did Jackson serve 9 
Between what years ? — 2. What is said of the north-west ? To what dangers were emi- 
grants exposed ? What occasioned difficulties with the Indians ? — 3. Where did a case 
of this kind occur? What chief was the leading spirit there? What became of Black 
Hawk ? What was the consequence ? What befell a body of troops sent out to take 
part in this war? — 4. Give an account of the tariff difficulties that arose in 1832. How 
were they settled ? — 5. What did Jackson do in connection with the United States Bank ? 
What was the consequence ? How did he act towards foreign governments ? What 
nations were compelled to make reparation ? — 6. What difficulties arose with the Semi- 
noles ? Describe the warfare carried on by the Indians. — 7. Who was sent against the 
Seminoles? In 1838, what was found necessary? What followed ? What were the 
Seminoles obliged to do ? What course have they pursued since that time ? 



1837] VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION. 181 

LESSOiX LIY. 

MAETIN VAN BUKEN.— HAKEISON AND TYLEK. 

1. On tlie 4tli of March, 183T, General Jackson left the country 
in the hands of Martin Yan Buren, of J^ew York, whom the people 
had selected to succeed him. Since Jackson, no President has been 
re-elected. Yan Buren and all his successors have served but one 
term. 

2. The chief events of Yan Buren's term were a distressing 
panic and revulsion in the business world in 1837, and a move- 
ment on the Canada frontier which threatened to produce trouble 
with Great Britain. A portion of the Canadians rose against the 
British government. The people of the United States wanted to 
help them, and a large body of men took possession of [N'avy Island 
in the Niagara Biver, which belonged to Great Britain. A party 
of royalists retaliated by crossing from Canada, and setting fire to 
a steamboat which was used for bringing supplies to IsTavy Island. 
War would have followed had not the President promptly -pve- 
vented the people from interfering in the affairs of Canada. 

3. General Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe and the Thames, 
was next raised to the presidency, March 4th, 1841. To the great 
sorrow of the country, General Harrison died just one month after 
his inauguration, leaving the duties of his office to be performed 
by the Yice-president, John Tyler, of Yirginia. Tyler, like Jack- 
son, was opposed to a United States Bank. When Congress passed 
a bill providing for such an institution, he vetoed it, and this made 
him many enemies. 

4. During Tyler's term, a troublesome question was settled. 
This was the fixing of a boundary line between Maine and the 



182 TYLER'S ADMINISTKATION. [1842 

British provinces of New Brunswick. Daniel "Webster, one of our 
greatest statesmen, took the matter in hand for the United States, 
and settled it to the satisfaction of his country. 

5. In 1842, a great exploring expedition, which had been away 
four years, returned. It had visited various parts of the Pacific 
before but little known, and made some important discoveries in the 
far south. Among these was that of a large body of land in the 
Southern Ocean, extending for a distance of 1700 miles. This is now 
known as the Antarctic Continent. 

6. The magnetic telegraph, that great triumph of the human 
mind, was first brought into practical operation in the spring of 
1811:. Its inventor was Samuel F. B. Morse, a native of Massachu- 
setts. To aid him in testing it. Congress had set apart $30,000. A 
line was established between Washington and Baltimore, and found 
to work with complete success. Telegraj)h wires were soon thread- 
ing the country in all directions. 

7. Among the last acts of Congress during Tyler's term was the 
admission of Texas into the Union. Texas had been a province of 
Mexico. It was settled chiefiy by emigrants from the United States. 
Oppressed by Mexico, the Texans had declared themselves indepen- 
dent, and maintained their position by several hard-won victories. 
Still Mexico would not acknowledge their independence. Twice 
had Texas applied for admission to the Union ; and in ISll, the 
people being in favor of it, she was admitted as a sister state. 

Questions. — 1. "Who succeeded Jackson? At what date? Who was the last 
President that served two terms ? — 2. What were the chief events of Van Buren's term ? 
Give an account of the Canadian difficulty. How was war averted ? — 3. Who was next 
raised to the presidency ? What melancholy event soon after took place ? By whom 
were the duties of the office then performed? How did Tyler make many enemies? — 4. 
What troublesome question was settled during Tyler's term ? By what statesman was 
this question settled ? — 5. Give an account of the exploring expedition which returned in 



1845] POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 1S3 

1842. — 6. When was the magnetic telegraph first brought into practical operation ? Who 
■was its inventor ? How had Morse been aided by Congress ? Where was the first line 
established ? How did this line work ? — 1. What was one of the last acts of Congress 
during Tyler's term ? What is said of the previous history of Texas ? How often had 
Texas applied for admission? When was she admitted ? 



LESSOI LY. 

JAMES K. POLK.— MEXICAN "WAR. 



1. James Knox Polk, of Tennessee, became President on tlie 
4tli of March, 1845. The admission of Texas into the Union greatly 
provoked Mexico. A boundary line had never been agreed upon 
between that country and Texas. The Mexicans utterly refused to 
treat with the United States on the subject, and threatened war 
unless the boundary which they claimed was admitted. The United 
States thought that this was rather high ground to take, and ordered 
General Zachary Taylor, who had done good service in the Seminole 
AYar, to occupy the disputed territory. Taylor promptly obeyed, 
erecting a fort and establishing about twenty miles from it a depot 
of provisions. 

2. Tlie Mexicans were soon in arms. Taylor's army was small, 
and fearing that his provision -depot might be taken, he marched 
with the main body of his troops to supply it with the means of 
defence. On his way back to the fort, he found a Mexican army 
twice as large as his own drawn up to dispute his passage. An en- 
gagement, the first in the war, at once took place (May 8, 184:6). 
It was followed by a still severer one the next day. In both of 
these the Americans were completely victorious. They reached the 
fort none too soon. It had sustained a tremendous cannonading 
from the enemy, but the garrison had gallantly held out. 



184 POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. [1846 

3. Taylor soon commenced invading the enemy's country. He 
had by this time received fresh troops ; for, when the news of his first 
two battles was received, more volunteers than were wanted offered 
themselves for the war. One place after another was taken, the 
Mexicans falling back as Taylor advanced, till they reached the 
strong city of Monterey [77ion-ta-ra^]. This place was carried by 
storm, though not without great loss. Taylor continued to advance, 
and on the 22d of February, 1847, found himself at Buena Yista 
[bwa'-nah mes'-tah\ in the presence of the Mexican general, Santa 
Anna, and an army three times the size of his own. Santa Anna 
summoned him to surrender. " General Taylor never surrenders," 
was the reply. 

4. Fearful was the struggle at Buena Yista. It was only by 
steady courage and the skilful handling of their artillery, that the 
Americans held their ground against the overwhelming numbers 
of the foe. " Give them a little more grape, Caj)tain Bragg," said 
Taylor coolly, as he saw a column of the enemy waver before Bragg's 
well-directed cannon. The setting sun left the Americans in pos- 
session of the field. In the morning it was found that Santa Anna 
and his army had retreated. This was the end of Taylor's cam- 
paign, which had been every way glorious. 

5. General Taylor was perfectly cool in battle. Once, when the 
Mexican cannon-balls were coming rather too close to be pleasant, he 
noticed the officers around him bowing their heads as the balls passed. 
" No dodging, gentlemen," said the veteran ; " a soldier should not 
dodge." Just then a tremendous ball whizzed by, so close to Tay- 
lor's head that before he knew it he was dodging himself. His 
officers burst into a hearty laugh. The general had to join them. 
" Well," said he, " you may dodge the balls, if you choose, but do 
not run." 



181T] THE MEXICAN WAR. 185 

6. The chief command in the war was now intrusted to General 
Scott. He planned an invasion from another quarter, and a de- 
scent on Mexico, the capital of the enemy's country. Yera Cruz, on 
the Gulf of Mexico, defended by one of the strongest fortresses in 
America, was first invested, and taken after a heavy bombardment. 

7. From this point Scott advanced into the interior of the coun- 
try. He met with no resistance till he reached the Cordilleras 
\cor-deel-ya' -ras\^ but there had to force his way through a rocky 
pass at the point of the bayonet. The Mexican army was routed. 
So hasty was their retreat that Santa Anna left his wooden leg 
behind. It was found by the Americans and sent home as a trophy. 

8. General Scott continued his march till he reached the neigh- 
borhood of the city of Mexico. Here the enemy had gathered for a 
final stand. Their number greatly exceeded that of the Americans, 
and they were protected by a succession of strong Avorks, which 
commanded the approaches to the capital. These were taken one 
after another, by dint of hard fighting and incredible exertions on 
the part of the Americans. IS'o troops could have behaved better. 

9. On the 14th of September, IS-iT, General Scott and his men 
entered the city of Mexico in triumph. Meanwhile, the northern 
part of the country had been invaded and conquered by an Ameri- 
can army. The United States was everywhere victorious, and the 
Mexican government was now willing to come to terms. A treaty 
was made, by which Mexico gave up to the United States the dis- 
puted territor}" on the frontier of Texas, and the provinces of !N"ew 
Mexico and Upper California, which had been already conquered. 
The United States was to pay for these extensive tracts between 
fifteen and twenty millions of dollars. 

10. The only other event of importance during President 
Polk's term, was the settlement of a boundary line in the north- 



186 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 



[1S48 




Entrance of the American Army into the City of Mexico. 

west with Great Britain. A large section of country, known as 
Oregon, lying between the Eocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, 
was claimed by both nations. As it was now rapidly becoming 
settled, it was important to have the boundary fixed, and this was 
at length with some difiiculty accomplished. 

Questions.— 1. Who became President, March 4, 1845? What followed the ad- 
mission of Texas into the Union ? What orders were given to General Taylor ? What 
did Taylor do ? — 2. Give an account of the first two battles hi the war, and the move- 
ments that led to them. What had been going on at the fort ? — 3. What was the next 
step in Taylor's campaign ? What is said of the number of volunteers? Where did 
Taylor first meet with resistance ? How was Monterey taken ? Where was the next 
battle fought ? What passed between Santa Anna and Taylor before the battle? — 4. 
What is said of the engagement at Buena Vista ? What did General Taylor tell Captain 



184»] TAYLOR'S ADMINISTRATION 187 

Bragg ? What was found the next morning ? — 5. What anecdote is related of General 
Taylor ? — 6. To whom was the chief command in the war now intrusted ? What was 
planned by General Scott ? What place was first taken ? — 1. What did General Scott then 
proceed to do ? What was he obhged to do, on reaching the Cordilleras ? What was 
the result of this engagement ? — 8. Where did the enemy gather for a final stand? How 
were they protected? What is said of the behavior of the troops in taking these 
defences? — 9. What took place, September 14, 1847? What had been going on mean- 
while in the northern part of Mexico ? What did the Mexican government now do ? 
State the provisions of the treaty. — 10. Give an account of the settlement of a boundary 
line in the north-west with Great Britain. 



LESSOR LVI. 

TATLOPw AND FILLMOEE. 

1. General TaVlor's services in the Mexican War were rewarded 
with the highest office in the people's gift. He was made Presi- 
dent in 1849 ; and Millard Fillmore, of New York, was at the same 
time elected Yice-president. 

2. California, you remember, was ceded by Mexico to the United 
States. In 1848, a great discovery was made there. A laborer, 
examining some sand that caught his eye with its glitter, found it 
to be mixed with gold. Further search showed that the precious 
metal was abundant. The news spread. Thousands at once flocked 
to the land of gold, from all parts of the world. California became 
rapidly settled, and now, early in Taylor's term, asked to be ad- 
mitted as a state. 

3. The people of the south have negro slavery; not so, those of 
the north. California wanted to come in as a free state. Years 
before, an agreement had been made that slavery should be permit- 
ted in all territory south of a certain line and excluded from all north 
of it. JSTow, as part of California was south of this line, many ob- 



188 FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATION. [1850 

jected to receiving it except witli slavery as one of its institutions. 
Angrj feelings were roused, wliich were not allayed till Henry Clay 
appeared as a peace-maker. Concessions were made by both sides, 
and a compromise bill was passed by Congress. California was 
admitted without slavery. 

4. While the discussion was going on, the country was called a 
second time to mourn for its chief magistrate. The good General 
Tajdor died, and Fillmore became President. 

5. In 1850, an unlawful expedition w^as secretly fitted out in the 
United States, against Cuba. It was thought that the people of 
that lovely isle were tired of Spanish rule and would gladly seize 
on any chance of entering the Union. This was found to be a mis- 
take. Six hundred adventurers from the United States landed on 
the island ; but, finding that no welcome except a hot one from the 
Spanish troops awaited them, they quickly re-embarked. The next 
year, a similar attempt was made. The adventurers this time were 
attacked and defeated, and several of them, including their leader, 
executed. 

6. The only remaining events of interest in Fillmore's term 
w^ere, the fitting out of two expeditions for the Arctic Ocean, to aid 
in ascertaining the fate of Sir John Franklin, the English explorer ; 
and the death of the three leading statesmen of America, — John C. 
Calhoun, of Soutli Carolina, Henry Clay, of Kentucky, and Daniel 
Webster, of Massachusetts. 

7. Fillmore was, succeeded, on the 4:th of March, 1853, by 
Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, who had served as a general 
in the Mexican War. 

Questions. — 1. How were General Taylor's services rewarded? Who was elected 
Vice-president? — 2. What discovery was made in California in 1848? What was the 
consequence of this discovery ? What request was made by the people of California in 



1853] PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION. 189 

Taylor's term ? — 3. What difficulty arose in relation to the admission of California ? How- 
was it settled? — 4. What sad event took place while the discussion was going on? — 5. 
What expedition set out from the United States in 1850? With what success did it 
meet? What took place the next year? — 6. What other events of interest took place in 
Fillmore's term? — 1. By whom was Fillmore succeeded ? 



LESSOX LVII. 

FEANKLIN PIEECE.-JAMES BTJCHACTAN. 

1. The beginning of Pierce's term was signalized bj the opening 
of the World's Fair. A Crystal Palace, built of iron and glass, was 
erected for the enterprise in New York. The different states, as 
well as foreign nations, conli'ibuted their products, and thousands 
visited the exhibition fron:|M!il parts of the country. 

2. One of the greatest events of Pierce's term was the opening 
of commerce with Japan. Japan is a great empire, consisting of 
several large islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is occupied by a 
shrewd but peculiar people, who have always avoided having any- 
thing to do with other nations. In the hope of opening a trade 
with this rich empire. Commodore Perry had been sent out to it 
with a squadron, bearing various presents and a letter from the 
President. By skilful management he persuaded the emperor to 
make a treaty and set apart two ports at which the merchants of 
the United States might trade. 

3. There was great excitement in Pierce's term about the or- 
ganizing of two territories, Kansas and Nebraska. As they lay 
north of the old line that had been agreed upon, some said that 
slavery was excluded from them. But another party claimed that 
the agreement had already been broken by the admission of Cali- 
fornia as a free state, and that it should be left to the people of 



190 BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. [1857 

Kansas and !N"ebraska to decide for themselves on the subject of 
slavery. The latter carried the day. But Kansas soon became the 
scene of a bitter struggle between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery 
settlers, and much blood was shed before the quarrel was ended. 

4. On the 4:tli of March, 1857, James Buchanan, of Pennsyl- 
vania, a distinguished statesman, was inaugurated as President. 
In the fall of the same year a great revulsion took place in the mer- 
cantile world. Banks suspended, factories closed, many merchants 
failed, and a general panic prevailed. It was some time before 
business revived and the country recovered. 

5. Difficulties with the Mormons obliged Mr. Buchanan to send 
an army into their territory. The ilormons lived in Utah, far 
away from the settled portions of th 'United States. Here they 
defied the general government, claii- ^, • the right of naming their 
own rulers. When the army, however, arrived in the neighbor- 
hood of their chief city, the Mormons changed their tone and 
agreed to recognize the laws and authority of the United States. ' 

6. Paraguay {^ijar-a-gwa'\ a South American state, having given 
our government various causes of offence and refusing to make 
reparation, a strong naval force was sent out to that country to- 
wards the close of 1858. A commissioner accompanied the fleet, 
to settle the difficulty, if possible, without recourse to violence ; 
and he succeeded in so doing. 

7. In the fall of 1859, the United States arsenal at Harper's Ferry, 
Yirginia, was seized by John Brown and twenty-one associates, 
and an attempt made to excite an insurrection among the slaves. 
But it totally failed. The movement was put down on the second 
day, by United States marines. Thirteen of the party were killed 
in the struggle ; Brown and six of his companions were hanged ; 
only two escaped. 



1S60] 



RECEPTION OF THE JAPANESE. 



191 



8. The summer of 1860 was signalized by the arrival of an 
embassy from Japan, — consisting of seventy-one persons. They 
brought the treaty which had been agreed upon, for the President's 




Ecception of tlie Japanese Ambassadors in New York. 

signature. The Japanese were received as guests of the nation and 
regarded with universal interest. They were much pleased with 
their visit, and took back with them many specimens of American 
art and industry. 

9. Another object of interest presented itself about the same 
time. This was the mammoth steam-ship Great Eastern, the 
largest vessel in the world. The Great Eastern was built in Eng- 
land, and made its first trip to IS'ew York. It was over one-eighth 



192 



BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. ,^ 



[1860 



of a mile long, and attracted thousands of visitors, some of whom 
came many miles to see this triumph of human skill. 

10. When the constitution was adopted, there were only thir- 
teen states. Between that time and 1860, twenty more were 
added. They were admitted in the following order, and at the date 
given with each : — 



14. Vermont, 

15. Kentucky, 

16. Tennessee, 

17. Ohio, 

18. Louisiana, 

19. Indiana, 

20. Mississippi. 

21. Illinois, 

22. Alabama, 

23. Maine, 



1791. 


24. 


Missouri, 


1792. 


25. 


Arkansas, . 


1796. 


26. 


Michigan, 


1802. 


27. 


Texas, 


1812. 


28. 


Florida, 


1816. 


29. 


Iowa, 


1817. 


30. 


Wisconsin, 


1818. 


31. 


California, . 


1819. 


82. 


Minnesota, 


1820. 


33. 


Oregon, 



1821. 
1836. 
1837. 
1845. 
1845. 
1846. 
1848. 
1850. 
1858. 
1859, 



Questions. — 1. By what event was the beginning of Pierce's term signalized ? — 2. 
What was one of the greatest events of Pierce's term ? What is said of Japan and its 
people ? What had been done in the hope of opening a trade with Japan? What was 
the result ? — 3. What produced great excitement in Pierce's term ? What positions were 
taken by opposite parties ? Which prevailed ? Of what did Kansas become the scene ? 
— 4. Who was inaugurated, March 4, 1857? What took place in the fall of that same 
year ? — 5. With whom did difficulties next arise ? Where did the Mormons live ? What 
had they done ? What steps were taken by the government, and what was the result ? 
— 6. To what South American state was a strong naval force sent ? Why ? How did 
this trouble terminate ? — 7. Give an account of the attempt of John Brown and his men. 
— 8. What took place in the summer of 1860 ? How were the Japanese received ? What 
did they take back with them? — 9. What other object of interest presented itself about 
the same time? Where was the Great Eastern built? How long was it ?-"10. How 
many states were added to the Union between the time when the constitution was 
adopted and the year 1860 ? Name these twenty states in order. 



